Author: Chris Harlan
Rochester football player Carter Mason recovering in hospital after in-game head injury, brain bleed
October 8, 2024
Terri Mason was home watching a livestream of the Rochester football game when she realized something was wrong.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 6: North Allegheny’s Walker hits 250 wins
October 5, 2024
Art Walker as a kid witnessed plenty of wins at Mt. Lebanon’s stadium, a place where his father coached for years.
‘Why change it?’: No. 2 Upper St. Clair rides running game to take down No. 4 South Fayette
There wasn’t much mystery around Upper St. Clair’s offense Friday night. The Panthers ran the football 43 times, which is pretty much what they did last week, too.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 6, 2024
Class 6A
Upper St. Clair faces yet another undefeated Allegheny Six foe, this time South Fayette
October 4, 2024
With the regular season already half over, Upper St. Clair will likely face three undefeated teams in a row.
5 things to watch in Week 6: Move over quarterbacks, is the WPIAL now the cradle of kickers?
Which decades-old kicking record might be broken this week?
Beaver boys soccer must forfeit section win under new PIAA rule
October 3, 2024
The Beaver boys soccer team must forfeit a section win because of a new rule that school administrators say should be reconsidered.
WPIAL erases section games vs. Allderdice, Obama Academy from soccer standings
The WPIAL has erased some section wins and losses in boys and girls soccer.
WPIAL sets brackets for 2024 team golf championships
October 2, 2024
Thirty-four boys teams and 13 girls teams will compete next week for WPIAL golf titles.
Imani Christian basketball player among 3 transfers ruled ineligible by WPIAL
September 30, 2024
Imani Christian basketball player Kieshaun Demus, a sophomore who transferred from North Hills, was ruled ineligible for his sophomore season by the WPIAL.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 5: Hopewell kicker ties record with 55-yard boot
September 28, 2024
Hopewell hasn’t had many moments to celebrate in recent years, but kicker Rocco Marcantonio gave the team one Friday night.
Behind crew of 1st-time starters, North Allegheny cross country teams leading the pack
If North Allegheny defends its boys and girls WPIAL country titles this fall, the celebration will surely include a number of first-time champions.
Pick-6 propels Central Catholic past rival North Allegheny in WPIAL finals rematch
Against an offense with a sophomore at quarterback and a banged-up running game, Central Catholic didn’t allow them any stress relief in Friday’s second half.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 29, 2024
Class 6A
Familiar championship foes North Allegheny, Central Catholic won’t look beyond Friday
September 27, 2024
Central Catholic and North Allegheny seem likely to meet twice this season, maybe with a rematch in the WPIAL finals.
5 things to watch in Week 5: Little room for error in WPIAL 4A with 8-team playoff ahead
Eight maybe isn’t enough when counting WPIAL playoff berths.
Westinghouse’s defense dominates Allderdice in battle for 1st place in City League
Dozens of skulls and crossbones already decorate Josiah Collins’ helmet, decals awarded by Westinghouse coaches for sacks, tackles for loss and other explosive plays made on defense.
Derry javelin champ Sophia Mazzoni commits to Auburn
September 25, 2024
Derry javelin thrower Sophia Mazzoni, an elite talent with state and national titles, committed Wednesday to Auburn.
5 things we learned from Week 4 of WPIAL football season: Power shifts south in Class 5A
September 21, 2024
There could be a lot of football talk in the South Hills this fall, maybe while eating sandwiches stuffed with French fries and coleslaw.
WPIAL high school football rankings: Week ending Sept. 22, 2024
Class 6A
Behind determined defense, Penn Hills hands Aliquippa 1st regular-season loss since 2021
The night ended much the way it started with the Penn Hills defense celebrating a stop.
Despite mismatch in enrollments, Aliquippa draws nonconference clash vs. Penn Hills
September 20, 2024
Aliquippa went to court to avoid a promotion to Class 5A football this fall, but the Quips still get a taste of that classification on Friday.
5 things to watch in Week 4: Excitement builds in Monessen for battle of undefeated teams
The buildup to facing a defending WPIAL champion was always going to be big, but undefeated records make this Monessen’s biggest home game in quite a while.
Shady Side Academy football coach Chuck DiNardo resigns
September 19, 2024
Chuck DiNardo has resigned as football coach at Shady Side Academy, stepping down four games into his eighth season with the Bulldogs.
PIAA adopts girls flag football as sanctioned high school sport statewide
September 18, 2024
Flag football is officially a sanctioned sport for Pennsylvania high school girls, meaning the WPIAL and PIAA soon will be crowning champions.
WPIAL notebook: Wrestling teams want in-season tournaments exempt from PIAA contest limit
September 17, 2024
If WPIAL wrestling teams get their wish, some in-season tournaments no longer will count toward their 22-contest limit set by the PIAA.
Clairton reveals ‘Tyler Boyd Stadium’ as new name for high school football field
September 16, 2024
Not only is Clairton’s football stadium getting new turf, new bleachers and new lights, it also has a new name: Tyler Boyd Stadium.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 3: Rare low-scoring tilts draw attention
September 14, 2024
Don’t call for maintenance.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 15, 2024
Class 6A
Missing its top 3 running backs, Pine-Richland fends off North Hills in Northeast opener
The Pine-Richland roster lists Jalen Neals as a wide receiver, but the versatile junior had a hint that his coaches were planning a position change.
Season-ending knee injury sidelines Alabama recruit Fiona Mahan as Avonworth chases 4th straight WPIAL title
September 13, 2024
Fiona Mahan continues to guide Avonworth on its quest for a fourth straight WPIAL girls soccer title, but the senior has taken on a new role after a season-ending knee injury.
North Hills rides momentum of 3-0 start into conference opener vs. Pine-Richland
North Hills is off to its first 3-0 start in five years, early-season success that coach Pat Carey credits to the snaps his seniors logged over a couple of tough seasons.
5 things to watch in Week 3: Conference openers arrive for many WPIAL football teams
September 12, 2024
WPIAL schedule-makers gave everyone at least a couple of warm-ups to start the schedule. Now, the majority of WPIAL teams will jump into conference play.
Aliquippa requests court-appointed mediator to settle football lawsuit vs. PIAA
September 10, 2024
The PIAA has until Friday to decide whether it wants to resolve its legal battle with Aliquippa School District through mediation.
5 things we learned in Week 2 of WPIAL football: Ringgold finally gets back in win column
September 7, 2024
Ringgold was ready to snap the longest active losing streak in the WPIAL when the Rams went for two in overtime a week ago. But the gamble failed in a heartbreaking 14-13 loss.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 8, 2024
Class 6A
North Allegheny boys soccer focused on unfinished business
A WPIAL title slipped away on penalty kicks and a trip to the state finals fell two rounds short.
Central Catholic forgets about 0-2 start with mercy rule win over Woodland Hills
The PA announcer at the Wolvarena encouraged fans to travel home safely and never talk about this game again.
5 things to watch in Week 2: NFL encroaches on Friday night high school football tradition
September 6, 2024
The storied tradition of Friday night football adds another chapter this week with high school games all across Pennsylvania. But might a game played in South America keep some fans home, especially on the other side of the state?
Transfer Devin Harris eligible to quarterback Penn Hills in WPIAL playoffs
September 4, 2024
If Penn Hills makes the football playoffs as the Indians hope, quarterback Devin Harris is eligible to lead them.
Wrestling standout Dylan Pitzer ineligible after transfer from Mt. Pleasant to Derry
Wrestling standout Dylan Pitzer, a WPIAL runner-up last winter, could miss his junior season after transferring from Mt. Pleasant to Derry.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 1: Weather throws teams for loop
August 31, 2024
Thunderstorms barreled into Allegheny and Beaver counties Friday night causing lengthy lightning delays at games from Aliquippa to Avonworth.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 1, 2024
Class 6A
North Allegheny girls volleyball chasing 8th straight PIAA title
Here is an easy way to put a state championship streak in perspective.
Peters Township punishes McKeesport with defense, running game
Peters Township knows a little about running the football, too.
Peters Township draws matchup with McKeesport’s triple-option in Week 1 nonconference clash
August 30, 2024
McKeesport runs an offense that’s rather unique in the WPIAL, leading opponents to scheme up new ways to defend against the triple-option.
Kraft Heinz, Aliquippa breaking ground on athletic, academic center near school’s football stadium
A year after Aliquippa announced a partnership with Kraft Heinz, the two will break ground Friday on a new athletic and academic center near the school’s football stadium.
5 things to watch in Week 1: Aliquippa’s new coach debuts in battle of state champions
Some coaching jobs come with more pressure than others.
‘He related to everybody:’ Friends, coaches, athletes mourn Baldwin track and field coach Ed Helbig
August 28, 2024
Ed Helbig didn’t need to yell or get loud to motivate his athletes, yet the longtime Baldwin coach’s voice was certainly the biggest in WPIAL track and field.
Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody resigns after 26 years
August 27, 2024
Once Rob Carmody decided now was the time to resign as Mars’ boys basketball coach, his son Robby had a request.
Nationally ranked St. Frances Academy tops Central Catholic in showcase at Wolvarena
August 25, 2024
There was no surprise about the talent Central Catholic’s opponent brought to town.
5 things we learned in high school football Week Zero: Kick returns liven up openers
August 24, 2024
The spread offense. The no-huddle. The Gatorade shower.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Aug. 25, 2024
Class 6A
Montour defense stands tall against Central Valley rushing attack in Week Zero victory
Breaking long runs can be a big part of Central Valley’s offense, especially with a 200-pound running back that has a hard-to-tackle reputation.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the coaches
August 23, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top coaching changes for the 2024 season.
Central Valley, Montour maintain ‘really healthy rivalry’ with Week Zero rematch
One point was the margin last year when Montour and Central Valley met in a conference game, so how could they not have a rematch?
5 things to watch in Week Zero: Wolvarena showcase includes visit by national powerhouse
St. Frances Academy, a traditionally talented high school football team from Baltimore, has a schedule dotted with national powers.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the specialists
August 22, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top kickers and punters for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the safeties
August 21, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top safeties for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the cornerbacks
August 20, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top cornerbacks for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the linebackers
August 19, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top linebackers for the 2024 season.
WPIAL Class 5A preview: Increased playoff field a welcomed change
August 18, 2024
Upper St. Clair and Woodland Hills felt the disappointment last season, and Penn Hills experienced it two years ago.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the defensive line
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top defensive linemen for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the offensive line
August 17, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top offensive linemen for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the tight ends
August 16, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top tight ends for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the wide receivers
August 15, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top wide receivers for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the running backs
August 14, 2024
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top running backs for the 2024 season.
2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the quarterbacks
August 13, 2024
Starting today, TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top quarterbacks for the 2024 season.
WPIAL approves new section alignments for spring sports in 2025, ’26 seasons
August 12, 2024
Knowing that boys volleyball coaches prefer room in the schedule for tournaments, the WPIAL on Monday approved a new section alignment with that idea in mind.
Record-setting quarterback eligible at Western Beaver after forgoing Central Catholic transfer
Record-setting quarterback Jaivin Peel is fully eligible for his sophomore football season at Western Beaver after a hearing Monday at the WPIAL office in Scott.
After eventful offseason, new coach out to continue Aliquippa’s tradition of excellence
August 10, 2024
Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Aug. 23.
Fit to be tied after missing playoffs, Upper St. Clair poised for big season
August 9, 2024
Forget about tiebreakers or wild cards, Upper St. Clair’s mission this fall is to win enough conference games to clinch a playoff spot without any help.
Defending WPIAL champion Peters Township not looking past next opponent
Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Aug. 23.
Woodland Hills looks to give Scoop Smith more help, return to playoffs
August 8, 2024
Getting the ball to Scoop Smith was the best option any time Woodland Hills’ offense faced a tough spot and needed a big play.
Gateway to follow veteran offensive linemen to success in Class 5A
No matter which quarterback Gateway starts behind center or which running back carries the ball, the Gators know their success is on the line.
Upper St. Clair’s Tyler Robbins commits to Miami (Ohio)
August 6, 2024
Upper St. Clair’s Tyler Robbins, a 6-foot-10 forward who won a WPIAL basketball title last winter, committed Tuesday to Miami (Ohio).
Sad day at Allderdice as football team takes practice field without late coach Jerry Haslett
August 5, 2024
Mark Matson’s morning started with a scavenger hunt of sorts as the Allderdice assistant coach searched through boxes for the football team’s practice jerseys.
McKeesport sophomore Kemon Spell gives Penn State 1st commitment from 2027 class
August 2, 2024
McKeesport sophomore Kemon Spell can’t sign with for two more years, but the highly recruited running back and defensive back has already picked his college.
PIAA drops appeals court fight vs. Aliquippa football; school’s lawsuit continues
The PIAA has ended its appeals-court efforts to move Aliquippa football into a higher classification this fall.
WPIAL schedules eligibility hearing for record-setting QB after transfer to Central Catholic
July 30, 2024
The WPIAL will require an eligibility hearing for record-setting quarterback Jaivin Peel.
WPIAL grants eligibility to 4 transfers, denies Central Catholic football freshman
July 29, 2024
Greensburg Central Catholic transfer Anthony “A.J.” Tarpley is fully eligible to play basketball for the Centurions this winter.
2024 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Elizabeth Forward’s Christopher Climes
July 26, 2024
Christopher Climes works out with a professional soccer trainer, which wouldn’t seem unusual if the senior were a midfielder on Elizabeth Forward’s soccer team.
WPIAL announces 2024 championship schedule for fall sports
July 25, 2024
Eight months before the world’s top golfers converge on Oakmont Country Club for the U.S. Open, some of the WPIAL’s best players will try to tame the historic course.
City League mourns death of longtime Allderdice football coach Jerry Haslett
July 24, 2024
Longtime City League coach Jerry Haslett, who hailed from a football family, died Wednesday. He was 59.
Mt. Lebanon pitcher David Shields signs with Kansas City Royals, forgoes college baseball
July 22, 2024
Mt. Lebanon’s David Shields is turning pro.
2024 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Upper St. Clair’s Nate Stohl
July 21, 2024
As an all-conference lineman committed to an Ivy League school, Nate Stohl’s coaches could talk at length about the senior’s football skills.
Appellate judge denies PIAA request, keeping Aliquippa in Class 4A football
July 18, 2024
The injunction keeping Aliquippa in Class 4A football remains in place after a Commonwealth Court judge denied a PIAA request for a stay.
WPIAL releases 2024-25 basketball schedules, updates section alignment for girls teams
The WPIAL released basketball schedules for the upcoming season Thursday and revealed an updated section alignment for girls that moved Greensburg Central Catholic to Class 3A.
Knoch transfer Colt Sprankle earns postseason eligibility after PIAA board overturns WPIAL
The PIAA board overturned a WPIAL decision and granted postseason eligibility to Knoch junior Colt Sprankle, a football-playing transfer from Armstrong.
PIAA board favors 6 classes for girls volleyball, rejects plan to expand track to 3
July 17, 2024
STATE COLLEGE — The PIAA wants to increase girls volleyball to six classifications, but a request to expand track and field to three was rejected by the board.
PIAA endorses potential changes to competitive-balance rule, could allow appeals on health and safety grounds
STATE COLLEGE — The PIAA board wants to remove some much-maligned words from its competitive-balance rule: those that have prohibited health and safety as grounds for an appeal.
PIAA asks appellate court to lift injunction that keeps Aliquippa in 4A football
July 16, 2024
A Commonwealth Court judge must decide whether there was a proper basis for a lower court’s ruling that kept the Aliquippa football team in Class 4A.
Aliquippa’s Mike Warfield taking ‘leave of absence’ as Quips’ football coach
July 15, 2024
Mike Warfield says football fans will see him at Aliquippa’s stadium this fall, but adds with a laugh that his new job on Friday nights might be selling 50/50 tickets.
PIAA proposal to force 2-time state champions into higher class lacks support from WPIAL board
The WPIAL doesn’t favor a potential PIAA rule that forces two-time defending state champions into a higher classification.
Mt. Lebanon’s David Shields picked by Royals in 2nd round of MLB Draft
July 14, 2024
Kansas City Royals scouts came to Mt. Lebanon in April to watch David Shields pitch and stayed around to talk after he struck out 13 batters in a complete-game win.
The Southern Columbia rule? Teams winning consecutive state titles would be moved into higher class under PIAA proposal
July 12, 2024
Some might call it the Southern Columbia rule.
2024 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: North Allegheny’s Jack Yatchenko
July 11, 2024
Jack Yatchenko was on the sideline for the play that pretty much clinched a WPIAL title for North Allegheny.
Peters Township’s Natalie Wetzel commits to play basketball at Miami (Fla).
July 9, 2024
Peters Township rising senior Natalie Wetzel, one of the WPIAL’s top girls basketball recruits, had college offers that stretched from New England to the Southwest.
Seneca Valley’s Lexie Hames, Neshannock’s Addy Frye top 2024 all-state softball teams
July 5, 2024
Two WPIAL softball players, Seneca Valley’s Lexie Hames and Neshannock’s Addy Frye, were named Pennsylvania’s top pitcher and player when all-state teams were announced Friday.
Armstrong’s Emma Paul named 2023-24 TribLive HSSN Girls Athlete of the Year
July 3, 2024
Paul video
Butler’s Drew Griffith named 2023-24 TribLive HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year
Drew Griffith video
PIAA asking Commonwealth Court for emergency stay to force Aliquippa football to Class 5A
With football season only weeks away, the PIAA has asked the Commonwealth Court for an expedited hearing that could force Aliquippa into a higher classification.
2024 Pa. State Baseball Coaches Association all-state team includes 44 players from WPIAL, City League
July 1, 2024
More than 40 WPIAL and City League baseball players earned all-state recognition Monday as chosen by the Pennsylvania State Baseball Coaches Association.
Top stories of the 2023-24 school year in WPIAL sports
June 29, 2024
Here’s a look back at the biggest high school sports stories of the 2023-24 school year.
WPIAL will tweak girls basketball sections to move Greensburg Central Catholic to 3A
June 20, 2024
The WPIAL must amend its girls basketball section alignment for next season to move Greensburg Central Catholic from Class 2A to 3A.
Newly hired boys basketball coach Brandon Sensor sees Shaler as ‘right opportunity’
When Brandon Sensor resigned at Chartiers Valley four months ago, the boys basketball coach insisted that wouldn’t be the end of his coaching journey.
Shaler poised to hire boys basketball coach Brandon Sensor
June 18, 2024
Former Chartiers Valley boys basketball coach Brandon Sensor is close to returning to the WPIAL.
WPIAL reveals updated section alignments for winter sports including basketball, wrestling
The big-school classification in WPIAL boys basketball is getting a little bigger this winter, but not big enough for more than two sections.
PIAA to appeal Beaver County judge’s decision that kept Aliquippa in 4A football
June 17, 2024
The PIAA is taking its legal battle with Aliquippa to Commonwealth Court, hoping to undo a Beaver County judge’s ruling that says the Quips can play football in Class 4A next season.
Avonworth says disputed call in PIAA finals shifted momentum in 12-0 loss to Neumann-Goretti
June 14, 2024
STATE COLLEGE — Every bit of momentum was on Neumann-Goretti’s side when Andrew Dankanich bounced a game-ending grand slam off the left-field foul pole, handing Avonworth a 12-0 loss in five innings.
Eden Christian falls to undefeated Faith Christian in PIAA Class A final
STATE COLLEGE — One imperfect inning dashed Eden Christian’s thoughts of playing the spoiler.
Indiana’s 1st appearance in PIAA baseball finals ends with walk-off loss to Holy Ghost Prep
June 13, 2024
STATE COLLEGE — Indiana reached the state finals for the first time, but like the WPIAL championship two weeks earlier, the Little Indians again watched someone else celebrate.
PIAA Class A baseball championship preview: Eden Christian vs. Faith Christian
The PIAA baseball championships return Thursday and Friday to Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where the games have been held since 2011.
PIAA Class 3A baseball championship preview: Avonworth vs. Neumann-Goretti
The PIAA baseball championships return Thursday and Friday to Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where the games have been held since 2011.
PIAA Class 4A baseball championship preview: Indiana vs. Holy Ghost Prep
June 12, 2024
The PIAA baseball finals return Thursday and Friday to Penn State, the state championship host since 2011.
WPIAL basketball standout Meleek Thomas leaving Lincoln Park for Overtime Elite pro league
June 11, 2024
WPIAL basketball standout Meleek Thomas is leaving Lincoln Park to join Overtime Elite, a professional league and academy for 16- to 20-year-olds based in Atlanta.
Avonworth reaches 1st PIAA championship game after fast start in state semifinal
June 10, 2024
HOMER CITY — Extra-inning wins had become Avonworth’s specialty in these playoffs, but the Antelopes weren’t waiting around this time.
Acclaimed senior class accomplished plenty for North Allegheny baseball
June 8, 2024
The worst day for any high school baseball coach is cut day, says North Allegheny’s Andrew Heck. That’s when the roster gets whittled down before the season opener.
Former WPIAL, Wild Things player James Meeker gets MLB call-up from Brewers
June 7, 2024
Former WPIAL baseball player James Meeker, a North Allegheny graduate who got his professional start with the Washington Wild Things, was called up to the major leagues Friday for the first time.
PIAA announces semifinal sites, times for 2024 state softball playoffs
Neshannock and Laurel won’t travel far for the next round of the PIAA softball playoffs and neither will Chartiers-Houston or Carmichaels.
PIAA releases semifinal sites, times for 2024 state baseball playoffs
WPIAL baseball teams Avonworth, Eden Christian and Indiana learned the site and time of their state semifinal games when the PIAA released the schedule Friday.
Seneca Valley’s Lexie Hames named Gatorade Pa. Softball Player of the Year
Seneca Valley pitcher Lexie Hames was named Gatorade Pennsylvania Softball Player of the Year on Friday, making her the first WPIAL athlete to win the award in six years.
Unlikely hero pitches unsinkable Avonworth to another extra-innings win
June 6, 2024
Carson Franc kept working on his pitches and believing his time on the mound could come, despite having thrown very few innings all season.
WPIAL rules Aliquippa rising junior ineligible following transfer from North Hills
Aliquippa’s Jamar Allen, an all-conference football player who transferred from North Hills, was ruled ineligible Thursday by the WPIAL.
PIAA releases quarterfinal sites, times for 2024 state softball playoffs
June 4, 2024
The PIAA has announced sites and times for the the state softball quarterfinals with 10 WPIAL teams still in contention for a title.
PIAA announces quarterfinal sites, times for 2024 state baseball playoffs
The PIAA has announced sites and times for the next round of the state baseball playoffs with only eight WPIAL teams having survived to reach the quarterfinals.
Football committee will choose wild card teams under new WPIAL postseason format
The WPIAL has finalized its postseason plans for next football season and on Tuesday revealed a new system for choosing wild card teams.
WPIAL releases updated football schedules with Aliquippa returning to 4A
The WPIAL released updated football schedules Tuesday that put defending state champion Aliquippa back in Class 4A for next season, but that move also affected about two dozen other schools.
Mt. Lebanon senior David Shields named Gatorade Pa. Baseball Player of the Year
Mt. Lebanon senior David Shields, a talented left-handed pitcher and outfielder, was named Monday as the Gatorade Pennsylvania Baseball Player of the Year.
North Allegheny pins PIAA loss on tough Wilson lefty, not ‘WPIAL hangover’
June 3, 2024
North Allegheny coach Andrew Heck could’ve blamed his team’s state playoff loss on the dreaded WPIAL hangover, but instead credited the craftiness of a left-hander who threw a one-hitter.
Olympic hopeful Jordan Geist of Knoch headlines WPIAL Hall of Fame class
June 1, 2024
Jordan Geist, who smashed records as a high school thrower for Knoch’s track team, caught a mid-week flight home from Europe so he could be inducted Friday night into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.
Olympic hopeful Jordan Geist of Knoch headlines WPIAL Hall of Fame class
May 31, 2024
Jordan Geist, who smashed records as a high school thrower for Knoch’s track team, caught a mid-week flight home from Europe so he could be inducted Friday night into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.
PIAA announces 1st round sites, times for 2024 baseball playoffs
Plum and Seneca Valley will host doubleheaders Monday in the first round of the PIAA baseball playoffs.
North Allegheny’s David Posey turns tables, no-hits Mt. Lebanon for WPIAL Class 6A baseball title
May 29, 2024
David Posey wasn’t the starting pitcher drawing no-hit talk before the WPIAL finals, yet the North Allegheny senior walked off the mound at Wild Things Park with a zero on the scoreboard.
2024 WPIAL Class 6A baseball championship preview: Mt. Lebanon vs. North Allegheny
2024 WPIAL Class 6A baseball championship
Avonworth dethrones Riverside in marathon 14-inning WPIAL Class 3A title game
May 28, 2024
A 14-inning game in the WPIAL finals is almost unthinkable, but Avonworth catcher Mason Metz thought the outcome might go down as the biggest surprise from Tuesday night’s marathon.
2024 WPIAL Class 4A baseball championship preview: North Catholic vs. Indiana
2024 WPIAL Class 4A baseball championship
Fort Cherry relay team wins PIAA gold after coming close in football, basketball
May 26, 2024
SHIPPENSBURG — Before the state track championships started, Fort Cherry’s relay team of Dylan Wudkwych, Tegan Henke, Shane Cornali and Matt Sieg got a text from the school’s basketball coach.
Hampton’s Dale Hall golden again, but in a different event, at PIAA meet
SHIPPENSBURG — Hampton’s Dale Hall won a state title in the 800 meters Saturday at the PIAA track championship, a year after winning gold in the 1,600 meters.
Avonworth/Northgate sprinter Hayzes Robinson joins sisters’ tradition with PIAA gold in 100
SHIPPENSBURG — Winning gold medals at Seth Grove Stadium is somewhat of a tradition for the Robinson sisters, one that Hayzes was more than excited to join Saturday.
Butler’s Drew Griffith breaks PIAA championship record in 3,200, but national mark must wait
May 25, 2024
SHIPPENSBURG — Drew Griffith won his second PIAA gold medal and broke a state championship record Saturday, but unlike a day earlier, the Butler star didn’t take a run at any national marks.
Freeport’s Michael Braun adds 2nd state medal to his collection
SHIPPENSBURG — After crossing the finish line at Seth Grove Stadium, distance runners are ushered to the infield turf where they can go in a few different directions.
Cross country champion Jaxon Schoedel of Mohawk adds PIAA title in 3,200 meters
SHIPPENSBURG — Mohawk’s Jaxon Schoedel was stuck in a slow heat for the 1,600 meters a day earlier, but the 3,200 meters had everybody in one big group Saturday.
Pine-Richland pole vaulter Nadia Constantakis uses gymnastics skills to place 2nd at states
SHIPPENSBURG — Lifelong gymnast Nadia Constantakis remembers being a newcomer to the Pine-Richland track team, working out with the sprinters and having a revelation.
Fox Chapel’s Rowan Gwin part of dominant showing for WPIAL in 1,600 at PIAA championships
May 24, 2024
SHIPPENSBURG — Fox Chapel’s Rowan Gwin wasn’t at Seth Grove Stadium last year for the state track championships, but his mind was.
Butler’s Drew Griffith breaks national 1,600-meter record at PIAA track championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Butler’s Drew Griffith has won big races all over the country this year, including one a few weeks ago at the iconic Penn Relays, but the Butler star arrived Friday at Seth Grove Stadium having never won there.
Canon-McMillan’s Rose Kuchera looks to end decorated high school career with PIAA gold medal
May 23, 2024
Canon-McMillan’s Rose Kuchera is traveling this week to the state track championships where the senior needs just one more medal to complete her triple jump collection.
Aliquippa football staying in Class 4A after judge issues preliminary injunction against PIAA
Aliquippa will remain in Class 4A football next season, a Beaver County judge ruled Thursday.
WPIAL sets championship, consolation schedule for 2024 baseball playoffs
May 22, 2024
The WPIAL has set its championship and consolation schedule for the baseball playoffs with games May 28-29 in Washington.
Pinch hitter comes through in extra innings to send North Allegheny past Pine-Richland in WPIAL semifinals
North Allegheny’s Michael Hershberger is a hitter always eager for opportunities, said his coach, who called on the junior in a big spot Tuesday night.
Penn-Trafford squeezes past Fox Chapel in another tight game between section rivals
May 20, 2024
After splitting a pair of one-run games in section play, the WPIAL lined up Fox Chapel and Penn-Trafford for a playoff rubber match that was almost as tight.
WPIAL chooses new board president for 2024-25 school year
The WPIAL board ushered in a new group of officers Monday with Peters Township athletic director Brian Geyer selected to serve as president.
North Allegheny to induct decorated class into school’s Athletics Hall of Fame
May 18, 2024
Former WPIAL track standout Ayden Owens-Delerme, a qualifier for this summer’s Olympic Games, was among 13 individuals selected for induction into the North Allegheny Athletics Hall of Fame.
Beaver County judge to decide if Aliquippa football moves to Class 5A or stays in 4A
May 17, 2024
After three days of testimony in a Beaver County courtroom, attorneys for Aliquippa and the PIAA used their closing arguments to paint a contentious competitive-balance rule in drastically different ways.
Distance-running power couple shatters records at WPIAL championships
May 16, 2024
There’s probably not much that makes Butler’s Drew Griffith too nervous at a track meet nowadays, but watching Mt. Lebanon’s Logan St. John Kletter run could be on that list.
After rain halts WPIAL meet, Butler’s Drew Griffith doesn’t mind waiting to make more history
May 15, 2024
Butler’s Drew Griffith ran the 1,600 meters in record time at the WPIAL track and field championships and then waited around for hours as it rained off and on.
PIAA sets 2025-28 state championship sites for basketball, wrestling, swimming
Giant Center in Hershey will continue to host the state basketball and individual wrestling championships for the next four years, and swimming and diving is staying at Bucknell.
No. 12 Shenango credits strength of its section after upset win over No. 5 Valley
Shenango was the underdog on paper as a fourth-place finisher from one section facing the champion of another.
Chartiers Valley ‘checked all of the boxes’ for new boys basketball coach Corey Dotchin
May 14, 2024
Corey Dotchin used to listen to podcasts on his drive to basketball practice, but he won’t have the time anymore.
Sewickley Academy athletes to play football for Moon under co-op agreement
Sewickley Academy students will be playing football for Moon next fall under a plan the private school announced Tuesday.
Chartiers Valley poised to hire Corey Dotchin as boys basketball coach
Former Highlands boys basketball coach Corey Dotchin is poised to take over Chartiers Valley’s program.
Knoch stays patient at plate, rallies past Greensburg Salem in 4A 1st round
May 13, 2024
Staying patient was Knoch’s winning strategy in a playoff opener against Greensburg Salem, especially after falling behind by three runs early.
WPIAL baseball committee seeds 5A bracket by ‘throwing out the numbers,’ focuses on matchups
May 11, 2024
The WPIAL for many decades released playoff brackets that had no seed numbers, a tradition that ended several years ago.
WPIAL releases brackets for 2024 baseball playoffs
Defending champions Mt. Lebanon and Riverside were tabbed as favorites to repeat when the WPIAL on Friday released brackets for the upcoming baseball playoffs.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast 2024 baseball playoff pairings
May 9, 2024
The 2024 WPIAL baseball playoff field is set with 77 teams, including all six defending champions: Mt. Lebanon, Shaler, Hopewell, Riverside, Seton LaSalle and Bishop Canevin.
Mars, Mt. Lebanon, Shady Side Academy earn No. 1 seeds in 2024 WPIAL lacrosse playoffs
Defending champion Mars, which swept the WPIAL Class 2A lacrosse titles a year ago, will start this season’s playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the boys and girls tournaments.
WPIAL reveals brackets for 2024 softball playoffs
Four defending champions are favored to repeat in the upcoming WPIAL softball playoffs.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast the 2024 softball playoff pairings
May 8, 2024
The 2024 WPIAL softball playoff field is set with 76 teams, including all six defending champions ready to begin playing for gold.
Depth carries North Allegheny girls, Drew Griffith leads Butler boys to WPIAL 3A team titles
May 7, 2024
As a former computer science teacher, North Allegheny coach John Neff built a nifty spreadsheet to keep a running score of the WPIAL team track championship.
Fox Chapel lefty shuts down Plum as 4-way battle for section title rages on
May 6, 2024
Fox Chapel lefty Jeremy Haigh worked fast, threw strikes and sometimes bopped along to Plum’s walkup songs.
WPIAL to hold eligibility hearing for Aliquippa football transfer Jamar Allen
The WPIAL will hold an eligibility hearing for Aliquippa sophomore Jamar Allen, an all-conference football player who transferred there from North Hills.
WPIAL rules Imani Christian basketball’s R.J. Sledge eligible for senior year
Three-time WPIAL and state basketball champion R.J. Sledge of Imani Christian will have a chance to go four for four next winter.
Trib HSSN baseball rankings for May 4, 2024
Class 6A
Deep group of North Allegheny sprinters breaking speed ‘minimums’ this season
There are miles per hour signs posted at North Allegheny track practices, but these aren’t speed limits.
‘Get one day better, every day’: Coach Ed Helbig inspires Baldwin athletes through cancer battle
Baldwin track coach Ed Helbig has a favorite saying that he offers up as motivation to athletes on his team: “Get one day better, every day.”
Pine-Richland celebrates section title with walk-off win over rival North Allegheny
May 3, 2024
Pine-Richland had already left the bases loaded three times, but that’s not what Jake Waddell was thinking about when he came to the plate in seventh.
With focus on staying healthy, Riverside ace Christian Lucarelli works tirelessly on craft
April 29, 2024
Christian Lucarelli arrived at Riverside baseball practice with a clear, plastic sphere that was partially filled with water. The peculiar fitness tool, which has handles on the sides, is designed to strengthen core muscles.
WPIAL cancels eligibility hearings for 2 Aliquippa transfers after Central Valley drops opposition
The WPIAL has canceled eligibility hearings for Aliquippa sophomore Joseph “J.J.” Work and freshman Khalil Ellerbee, saying Central Valley no longer contests their transfers.
Former Bishop Canevin standout Daiveon Taylor, now at Aliquippa, commits to West Virginia
April 27, 2024
Daiveon Taylor wasn’t traveling to Morgantown this weekend just to watch West Virginia’s annual Gold-Blue spring game.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 28, 2024
Class 6A
Trib HSSN softball rankings for April 27, 2024
Class 6A
WPIAL schedules eligibility hearing for Imani Christian all-state basketball player R.J. Sledge
Imani Christian junior R.J. Sledge won his third straight PIAA boys basketball title in March, but his ability to win a fourth next winter is in limbo.
19 WPIAL players picked for 2024 all-state girls basketball team
April 26, 2024
A month after winning a PIAA title, Blackhawk teammates Alena Fusetti and Aubree Hupp were among 19 WPIAL girls basketball players to earn all-state honors Friday.
WPIAL reveals brackets for 2024 team track championships
April 25, 2024
The North Allegheny boys and girls will try to repeat as WPIAL champions when the track and field team playoffs start Tuesday.
North Allegheny, Sewickley Academy earn No. 1 seeds for WPIAL boys team tennis tournament
North Allegheny and Sewickley Academy drew No. 1 seeds for the WPIAL boys team tennis tournament when brackets were released Thursday.
Aliquippa injunction hearing vs. PIAA takes 3-week pause with executive director testifying
April 24, 2024
If the PIAA competitive-balance rule were nullified, “it would probably cause chaos,” the PIAA’s top administrator said Wednesday during testimony in a Beaver County courtroom.
Pirates team doctor Patrick DeMeo among witnesses called by Aliquippa in lawsuit against PIAA
April 23, 2024
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Patrick DeMeo, while testifying for Aliquippa in its lawsuit against the PIAA, said he wanted to see some numbers.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 21, 2024
Class 6A
Earpieces let high school catchers receive in-game coaching
In a stressful moment behind the plate, when the other team was trying to rally, Franklin Regional catcher Ryan Catello started hearing voices in his helmet.
With 2 teams in emerging league, North Allegheny coach encouraged with growth of flag football
Girls flag football was popular in southeastern states when Michelle Ruiz was teaching there earlier in her career, which motivated her to later make it an annual tradition for middle school kids at North Allegheny.
‘Loud and crazy’ invite crowd sees Butler record-setter Drew Griffith nearly run 4-minute mile on his home track
April 19, 2024
In meets from Boston to Los Angeles, record-setting runner Drew Griffith has wowed crowds from coast to coast over the past three months.
Peters Township linebacker Mickey Vaccarello commits to Stanford
April 17, 2024
Just days after taking a recruiting trip to the West Coast, Peters Township’s Mickey Vaccarello decided to spend his college years in California.
WPIAL notebook: Girls flag football tops 100-team threshold, on road to being PIAA sport
Girls flag football is on track to become the next sanctioned high school sport in Pennsylvania.
WPIAL to hold hearings for 2 Aliquippa football transfers, approves 3 others
A WPIAL hearing will decide the eligibility of two Aliquippa football players who transferred from rival Central Valley.
Pine-Richland senior delivers walk-off hit in 1st at-bat of season in win over Seneca Valley
April 16, 2024
A shoulder injury kept Tommy Zimmerman in the dugout for his team’s first 10 games, but the Pine-Richland senior finally got to bat Tuesday.
Corey Dotchin steps down as Highlands boys basketball coach
April 15, 2024
With his first child on the way, Corey Dotchin decided that a daily commute to Natrona Heights wouldn’t work anymore for him and his growing family.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 14, 2024
Class 6A
Versatility, commitment let Izzy Costa shine in multiple events for North Allegheny track
North Allegheny’s Izzy Costa had an upset stomach but was still was warming up for the long jump after running the 100 and 400 meters in a dual meet at Butler.
PIAA taking bids to host basketball championships
April 12, 2024
Giant Center in Hershey has hosted the state high school basketball finals for more than a decade, but could or should the PIAA championships go elsewhere?
Basketball coach Rob Niederberger, who lifted Shaler from last place to WPIAL contender, resigns
When Shaler hired Rob Niederberger as boys basketball coach nine years ago, he took over a team mired in last place. He resigned Thursday knowing the next coach will inherit a program that’s in a much better position.
Robert Morris hires Oakland Catholic’s Eddie Benton as assistant women’s basketball coach
April 9, 2024
Oakland Catholic girls basketball coach Eddie Benton, who led the Eagles to consecutive section titles, is leaving for a job at Robert Morris.
PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi on public vs. private debate: ‘We have a ‘school’ problem’
While watching private and charter schools again flourish in the state basketball finals, the PIAA’s top administrator said there is a problem, but it’s not what public school advocates might think.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 7, 2024
Class 6A
North Allegheny’s depth on display in quest to regain WPIAL boys volleyball title
Opponents may have a dozen or so players in uniform for varsity matches, but North Allegheny boys volleyball coach Dan Long plans to use twice that many.
Here’s a new one for WPIAL athletic directors: Game called on account of solar eclipse
April 4, 2024
Athletic directors are not surprised when rain or snow wreaks havoc on spring sports schedules. But there’s another act of nature — one far more infrequent — that has WPIAL schools rescheduling games slated for Monday.
2024 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball All-Stars
Terrific 10
North Catholic’s Alayna Rocco named 2024 TribLive HSSN Girls Basketball Player of the Year
April 1, 2024
There was a time when a basketball gym was the last place Alayna Rocco wanted to be. As a coach’s daughter, she went anyway.
Lincoln Park’s Brandin Cummings, Meleek Thomas named 2024 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Players of the Year
Brandin Cummings and Meleek Thomas form a dynamic duo for Lincoln Park’s boys basketball team, but they aren’t quite Batman and Robin.
TribLive H.S. baseball rankings for March 30, 2024
Class 6A
Behind ‘softball sisters,’ North Allegheny hopes to return to WPIAL finals
North Allegheny has a roster full of “softball sisters,” even though most of the girls aren’t actually related.
Aliquippa sues PIAA to prevent football team’s promotion to Class 5A
March 28, 2024
The school with the most wins in WPIAL football history is hoping its next big victory comes in a courtroom.
Blackhawk finds redemption in Hershey, wins PIAA girls basketball title with 1st-year coach
March 23, 2024
HERSHEY — Greg Huston wasn’t on the bench last March when Blackhawk lost in the state finals, but he understood the team’s heartache as well as anybody. He was here a dad watching his daughter from the Giant Center seats.
After winning state football title last fall, Aliquippa adds PIAA boys basketball championship
March 22, 2024
HERSHEY – Aliquippa finished off a rare PIAA double-double Friday by winning state football and basketball titles in the same school year. But on a roster full of two-sport athletes, this latest celebration was thanks in large part to a sophomore who has focused on only one.
PIAA Class 4A girls basketball championship preview: Blackhawk vs. Scranton Prep
PIAA Class 4A girls basketball championship
Behind Brandin Cummings’ ‘storybook ending,’ Lincoln Park repeats as PIAA Class 4A champ
March 21, 2024
HERSHEY — Brandin Cummings patiently held for the last shot of the first half, but the Lincoln Park senior didn’t wait around to see if his 3-pointer was good. He’d already turned his back on the shot and was headed toward the Giant Center locker room.
PIAA Class 2A boys basketball championship preview: Aliquippa vs. Holy Cross
PIAA Class 2A boys basketball championship
PIAA reveals brackets for 2024-25 football playoffs, likely altering WPIAL schedule at Acrisure Stadium
The four WPIAL football finals played at Acrisure Stadium likely will change this fall.
Imani Christian says goodbye to Class A with rout of Berlin Brothersvalley, 2nd straight PIAA title
HERSHEY — Imani Christian won a state title a year ago with a towering center in the middle, but this time, a couple of much smaller guards led the way.
PIAA Class 4A boys basketball championship preview: Lincoln Park vs. Archbishop Carroll
March 20, 2024
Lincoln Park is making a return trip to Hershey, where the team hopes to celebrate a second straight state title behind the talented tandem of Brandin Cummings and Meleek Thomas.
Franklin Regional gets revenge on Moon in PIAA Class 5A semifinals
March 18, 2024
Franklin Regional built a big lead Monday night only to see Moon erase it entirely, which was reminiscent of how the Panthers lost in the WPIAL final a few weeks ago.
Deer Lakes’ long run of playoff success ends with loss to Franklin
March 16, 2024
SHARON — Time was dwindling away and the deficit was large, but Deer Lakes decided to ramp up its pressure one more time in Saturday’s state playoff loss.
‘Plethora of arms’ makes North Allegheny baseball a team to reckon with
Some WPIAL baseball teams scramble to find enough pitching to cover their innings, but North Allegheny coach Andrew Heck has a much different dilemma. He’s hoping to find enough innings for all of his pitchers.
Moon outlasts Bethel Park, sets up WPIAL finals rematch in state semifinals
Yes, these are the state playoffs, but WPIAL champion Moon is back fighting its way through teams from its own league.
WPIAL releases football schedules for 2024, ’25 seasons
March 14, 2024
The WPIAL has released its football schedules for the next two seasons and Week 1 should be exciting.
Upper St. Clair embraces the madness, avenges loss to State College
March 13, 2024
JOHNSTOWN — This is the kind of March madness Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer likes most, a state basketball tournament where his Panthers are making a deep bracket run.
After injury to leading scorer, Shaler pulls together for PIAA win over Mechanicsburg
ALTOONA — Shaler leading scorer Keegan Smetanka was down on the court with a first-quarter ankle injury, so his teammates huddled quickly to discuss what to do next.
Colin Masten gets to rim, helps Franklin Regional to PIAA 5A quarterfinals
March 12, 2024
ALTOONA — Colin Masten wears jersey No. 1, which was fitting Tuesday night because of how many times he made folks say, “And one!”
When WPIAL makes realignment decisions aiming for competitive balance, critics emerge
WPIAL athletic directors received a survey from one of their colleagues Monday, seeking feedback about how the league makes its sections and schedules.
Butler senior Drew Griffith breaks national indoor high school track record in 2-mile
March 10, 2024
This time it counts.
Untimely scoring slumps end Baldwin’s historic season with PIAA loss to McDowell
March 9, 2024
The scoreboard in Baldwin’s gym showed a good news, bad news scenario for the Highlanders as the fourth quarter got underway Saturday.
Lincoln Park’s Brandin Cummings scores 28, says goodbye to beloved home court in PIAA win
Brandin Cummings kissed his hand before touching the Leopard logo on Lincoln Park’s basketball court, offering a kiss goodbye as his final home game was winding down.
Upper St. Clair ends Baldwin’s WPIAL run with resounding victory in Class 6A final
March 2, 2024
“Let’s go dance,” Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer told his players, guiding them back to their Petersen Events Center locker room where they bounced and sang along to “Y-M-C-A.”
North Allegheny divers follow different routes to WPIAL success
A gymnastics background can certainly help, but North Allegheny diving coach Patti McClure says she’s first looking for a kid with a “kamikaze” attitude.
Moon rallies past Franklin Regional to secure 5th WPIAL boys basketball title
March 1, 2024
One team got hot in the fourth quarter, and the other was not.
2024 WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball championship breakdown: Upper St. Clair vs. Baldwin
WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball championship
Butler AD: Agreement with PIAA will let football team play independent schedule
Butler has reached an agreement with the PIAA that will let the football team play an independent schedule this fall, the school’s athletic director said Friday.
Defensive-focused Lincoln Park beats Hampton to repeat as WPIAL champs
February 29, 2024
The WPIAL knows Meleek Thomas best as an elite scorer for the league’s highest-scoring team, a combination that brought Lincoln Park to Petersen Events Center on Thursday night.
2024 WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship breakdown: Lincoln Park vs. Hampton
WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship
2024 WPIAL Class A boys basketball championship breakdown: Imani Christian vs. Neighborhood Academy
WPIAL Class A boys basketball championship
PIAA defends Aliquippa decision in letter to legislators; state Rep. Matzie sees ‘hit job’
February 28, 2024
The PIAA in a letter to state legislators stood behind its decision to move the Aliquippa football team into a higher classification and rejected claims that the school district serves a more transient population than others.
Big man’s big game boosts Upper St. Clair past Central Catholic into WPIAL finals
February 27, 2024
Tyler Robbins’ first basket came a few minutes after halftime, but Upper St. Clair’s big man had already altered the outcome of Tuesday’s semifinal in other ways.
Deer Lakes boys defeat Neshannock in OT, advance to WPIAL Class 3A title game
February 26, 2024
The path wasn’t easy, but defending champion Deer Lakes is headed back to the WPIAL boys basketball finals after a second straight overtime win.
WPIAL sets schedule for basketball finals at Petersen Events Center
February 25, 2024
The WPIAL has finalized the championship schedule for the boys and girls basketball playoffs with dates and times for each of the 12 finals.
Hampton cools off Avonworth’s red-hot scorer for spot in WPIAL 4A final
February 24, 2024
Hampton’s Peter Kramer has faced his share of unorthodox defenses over the years, schemes designed specifically to shut him down as a scorer.
Defending champion Lincoln Park holds off Uniontown for return trip to WPIAL finals
Uniontown had a couple of good looks at a go-ahead 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter and had possession of the ball down three with only a minute left.
Nearly a national record holder, Butler’s Drew Griffith running the best he ever has
Drew Griffith ran two miles in a historic time, faster than the all-time indoor best for high school boys, but the Butler senior’s name won’t appear in any national record book.
Baldwin celebrates 1st WPIAL playoff win in 21 years with victory over North Allegheny
Baldwin boys basketball coach Jeff Ackermann took his team to look at the school’s trophy case before Friday night’s playoff game.
PSFCA announces rosters for 2024 East-West all-star football games
February 23, 2024
Forty WPIAL and City League football players were selected Friday to take part in a pair of East-West all-star games organized by the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association.
WPIAL sets playoff sites, times for Monday’s basketball semifinals
The WPIAL has scheduled four semifinal doubleheaders in the basketball playoffs on Monday. The games are for Class 6A girls, 5A boys, 3A boys and A girls.
Shaler pulls out low-scoring win over Bethel Park with 1 basket in 4th quarter
The numbers on the scoreboard sure seemed to be stuck.
WPIAL sets playoff sites, times for Saturday’s basketball semifinals
February 22, 2024
The WPIAL has scheduled four basketball semifinal doubleheaders Saturday at Montour, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny and Peters Township.
Short-handed Uniontown gets defensive in WPIAL quarterfinal win over North Catholic
Uniontown was missing its big man in the middle, but against a small, speedy opponent, was that a blessing in disguise?
8 WPIAL all-stars selected for 67th annual Big 33 Football Classic
February 21, 2024
Eight WPIAL football players were among the 38 high school all-stars selected Wednesday to represent Pennsylvania in the 67th annual Big 33 Football Classic.
WPIAL announces playoff sites, times for Friday’s basketball quarterfinals
Fox Chapel, Highlands, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny and Peters Township will host doubleheaders for Friday’s quarterfinal games in the WPIAL basketball playoffs.
After taking job just last month, coach sets big goals for Bishop Canevin
Aaron McGee gave away some of his Bishop Canevin gear when he left for an assistant coaching job at Moon, but fortunately he held onto some shirts.
WPIAL announces playoff sites, times for Thursday’s basketball quarterfinals
February 20, 2024
The WPIAL released sites and times for Thursday’s boys and girls basketball quarterfinals.
Brandon Sensor resigns as Chartiers Valley boys basketball coach, citing lack of support from administration
Chartiers Valley boys basketball coach Brandon Sensor, who missed the final six weeks of the season on administrative leave, resigned Tuesday.
WPIAL reveals Aliquippa’s 5A conference, but football coach says ‘it’s not settled’
The WPIAL revealed an updated football alignment Monday that has Aliquippa sharing a Class 5A conference with Fox Chapel, North Hills, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland, Plum and Shaler.
WPIAL says Butler football must take conference schedule, reviving years-long dispute
A seemingly settled dispute between Butler and the PIAA was rekindled Monday when the WPIAL said the school’s football team must play a conference schedule next fall.
WPIAL sets conference, section alignment for next 2 fall seasons
February 19, 2024
The WPIAL wanted more competitive balance in its conferences and sections, so some teams might have a longer drive next season as a result.
WPIAL announces playoff sites, times for Wednesday’s basketball quarterfinals
February 18, 2024
The WPIAL has scheduled a slate of quarterfinal doubleheaders for Wednesday in the next round of the basketball playoffs.
North Allegheny boys put layoff to good use ahead of WPIAL playoffs
February 17, 2024
When other WPIAL basketball teams were probably prepping for their playoff openers, the North Allegheny boys took batting practice in the high school gym.
Rowan Carmichael’s 32 points lift Avonworth past Highlands in Class 4A 1st round
February 16, 2024
Highlands’ size can be an advantage, just not against a deceptively sturdy guard who made one big shot after another.
WPIAL playoff berth means a lot to Hillel Academy, a tiny Orthodox Jewish school in Squirrel Hill
February 14, 2024
As the boys basketball coach at Hillel Academy, Yoni Eglash has fielded a number of questions since his team joined the WPIAL two years ago.
Breaking down the 2024 WPIAL boys basketball playoff brackets
February 12, 2024
Class 6A
Mt. Lebanon hires football coach Greg Perry, former coach at Seton LaSalle, Keystone Oaks
Football coach Greg Perry has a new head coaching job that’s just down the road from his previous two.
WPIAL releases brackets for 2024 boys and girls basketball playoffs
When the WPIAL basketball committee met Monday morning to seed the playoff brackets, there was little debate about the No. 1 seeds.
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel forecast the 2024 boys basketball playoff pairings
February 10, 2024
The 2024 WPIAL boys basketball playoff field is set with 87 teams in the six classifications.
TribLive HSSN WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 11, 2024
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
TribLive HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 11, 2024
WPIAL boys basketball rankings
‘The real deal’: North Allegheny set to host 1st WPIAL girls wrestling championships
North Allegheny will play host to a Western Pennsylvania girls wrestling championship once again, but this time the medals will says “WPIAL.”
Central Catholic grabs section title away from North Allegheny with last-second 3-point play
February 9, 2024
Central Catholic had trailed for almost the entire game, but a layup and foul shot by sophomore Enzo Khalil with seven-tenths of a second left Friday night lifted the Vikings to a dramatic 58-57 victory over North Allegheny to win the section title.
Central Catholic wide receiver Peter Gonzalez receives NFL Latino Youth Honors award
This is awards season for the NFL, and one went to a high school senior from the WPIAL. Central Catholic’s Peter Gonzalez received an inaugural honor that recognized his football talents and his Hispanic heritage.
Imani Christian 4-star junior Dayshaun Burnett makes verbal commitment to Penn State
February 7, 2024
Dayshaun Burnett received his first college offer from Penn State almost two years ago, but the Imani Christian junior had a Nittany Lions connection that went back way further.
Central Catholic wins black-and-blue battle with Butler
There were two separate stoppages to clean blood off the court at Central Catholic’s Alumni Hall on Tuesday night, showing just how rough a section game between Central and Butler can get.
WPIAL to release new football conferences, updated sections for other fall sports
February 5, 2024
The wait is almost over for WPIAL football teams eager to take a look at the new conferences for the 2024 and ’25 seasons.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending February 4, 2024
February 3, 2024
WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings for Feb. 3, 2024
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
‘Excellence has to be earned’: North Allegheny swimmers aim to maintain streak of WPIAL championships
The North Allegheny swimming team owns a WPIAL championship streak that’s older than some kids on the roster.
Mt. Lebanon stakes claim in 6A with win over rival Upper St. Clair
Packed together tightly in a sold-out gym, the Mt. Lebanon student section chanted, “We run 6A,” in the final minutes of Friday’s win over rival Upper St. Clair.
Exquisite timing helps Shaler avenge loss to Woodland Hills
January 31, 2024
“Exquisite” was the fancy word Brandon London’s teammates urged him to work into his postgame interview.
Bishop Canevin fires 1st-place boys basketball coach in middle of his 1st season
January 29, 2024
The Bishop Canevin boys basketball team is close to clinching a section title, but the Crusaders will finish their season with a different coaching staff.
Aliquippa grad, current 5A coach understands Quips’ concerns with bump up in class
January 28, 2024
Can Aliquippa compete in Class 5A football? Yes, says Pine-Richland coach Jon LeDonne, but he also considers the Quips’ concerns about player health to be valid.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 28, 2024
January 27, 2024
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 28, 2024
WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Lincoln Park’s ‘big two’ share the wealth in win over North Catholic
The motto on Lincoln Park’s shirts says “one more,” which coach Mike Bariski translates into “one more pass.”
PIAA officials acknowledge competitive balance formula has ‘room for conversation’ in future
January 26, 2024
A football team that reaches the state finals or semifinals two years in a row “is the cream of the crop in that class,” said PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi, explaining why health and safety concerns are excluded as grounds for appeal under the competitive-balance rule.
6 WPIAL quarterbacks selected as finalists for Willie Thrower Award
January 25, 2024
WPIAL champions Nolan DiLucia of Peters Township, Logan Kushner of North Allegheny and Matt Seig of Fort Cherry were three of the six quarterbacks named Thursday as finalists for the Willie Thrower Award.
PIAA rejects Farrell’s request to join WPIAL
January 24, 2024
A week after the WPIAL rejected Farrell’s attempt to join the district, the PIAA also denied the Mercer County school’s request to transfer to the WPIAL.
Aliquippa forced to move to Class 5A football after PIAA rejects appeal
MECHANICSBURG — If the PIAA believes five transfers gave the Aliquippa football team a competitive advantage, Quips coach Mike Warfield wants to know how.
New coach Marty Spieler brings unique resume, complete with a Kelce tie, to South Fayette
January 23, 2024
The coaching career of Marty Spieler once crossed paths with the Kelce brothers, but, no, Taylor Swift probably won’t show up at South Fayette games this fall.
Gatorade picks Mt. Lebanon’s Logan St. John Kletter as top girls cross country runner in Pa.
Reigning state champion Logan St. John Kletter of Mt. Lebanon was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania girls cross country athlete of the year, extending the WPIAL’s winning streak to four.
South Fayette poised to hire Marty Spieler as football coach
January 22, 2024
South Fayette is prepared to make Marty Spieler the school’s next football coach, pending board approval Tuesday night.
PIAA discussing eliminating overtime in regular-season soccer games
January 21, 2024
The PIAA might decide this week to eliminate overtime from regular-season high school soccer, taking a nod from NCAA rules and international norms. If approved, regular-season games tied after regulation would finish as a draw.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 21, 2024
January 20, 2024
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending January 21, 2024
WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Thought to be moving up to 3A for next 2 years, Westinghouse will instead play Class A football
January 18, 2024
City League champion Westinghouse is dropping to Class A football next season after successfully avoiding a promotion under the PIAA competitive-balance rule.
Aliquippa football still ticketed for 5A after unsuccessful initial appeal to PIAA
January 17, 2024
Aliquippa’s initial appeal to the PIAA was unsuccessful, so the football team remains headed to a higher classification under the competitive-balance rule.
Former Clairton football star Tyler Boyd headlines 2024 WPIAL Hall of Fame class
Nobody in WPIAL history won more consistently than Clairton’s Tyler Boyd, whose football teams were part of a state-record winning streak that eventually reached 66 games.
WPIAL places Mohawk football on 2 years of probation for alleged racial slurs toward Burrell players
January 16, 2024
The WPIAL has placed the Mohawk football team on probation for two years after allegations that racial slurs were used in a playoff game against Burrell in November.
WPIAL board unanimously rejects Farrell’s request to rejoin district
The WPIAL board voted unanimously Tuesday to deny Farrell’s request to join the league as a member school, citing the cost of transportation and tight athletic department budgets.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 14, 2024
January 13, 2024
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 14, 2024
WPIAL boys basketball rankings
North Allegheny girls hope January road trips make Tigers a tough ‘out’ later this season
No, the North Allegheny girls basketball team hasn’t left the WPIAL, even though its schedule certainly looks like the Tigers moved closer to Harrisburg.
Avonworth sheds underdog label with section-shaking win over No. 3 Montour
In a pregame talk with his players, Avonworth basketball coach Mike Mancuso embraced the idea that the WPIAL saw them as underdogs in their own section.
Butler won’t rejoin WPIAL football; decision nearing on Farrell’s request to return
January 12, 2024
How many football teams will the WPIAL have next season? That number continues to fluctuate.
North Allegheny linebacker Tyree Alualu commits to Temple
North Allegheny senior Tyree Alualu, an all-conference linebacker whose father played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, committed Thursday to Temple.
Even at the high school level, football coaches take measures to avoid signs being stolen
January 7, 2024
There was a commotion in the bleachers at a WPIAL football game one night when some opposing coaches had their notes fall from the press box window.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending January 7, 2024
Class 6A
Barrage of 3-pointers — including 8 by Donovan Carney — leads Butler past New Castle
January 5, 2024
Butler’s Donovan Carney was making shots from far beyond the arc, teammate Tayt Lucas hit a couple of 3-pointers and Kyle Casteel came off the bench shooting 3s with no hesitation.
PIAA policy won’t let Aliquippa argue health and safety in rejecting move to Class 5A
Two years ago, Aliquippa argued relentlessly that it was too dangerous to force the small-school Quips to play Class 5A football and ultimately the school won its PIAA appeal.
State representative asks whether PIAA needs ‘overhaul,’ proposes legislation to investigate
A Western Pennsylvania legislator and longtime member of the state Athletic Oversight Committee is asking whether the PIAA needs an overhaul.
Wild Things Park to host WPIAL baseball finals through 2027
Wild Things Park will remain as host of the WPIAL baseball finals through at least the 2027 season.
McGuffey football coach Ed Dalton resigns after 12 years, not ready for retirement
January 4, 2024
Ed Dalton is stepping down after 12 seasons as McGuffey’s football coach, but don’t mistake his resignation as an early retirement.
PIAA plans to move Aliquippa football to Class 5A under competitive-balance rule
In a move coach Mike Warfield called déjà vu, the PIAA has notified Aliquippa that its football team will be forced up another classification before next season.
East Allegheny football coach Dom Pecora resigns after 8 straight playoff appearances
January 3, 2024
Winning a conference title and reaching the WPIAL semifinals will always be two of the happiest moments of his life, says East Allegheny football coach Dom Pecora, who is stepping down after 11 seasons with the Wildcats.
Fast start leads Hampton past Highlands in key section clash
January 2, 2024
Sometimes games are decided by a fourth-quarter run, but Hampton showed Tuesday that the first few minutes can be just as crucial.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings for Dec. 30, 2023
Class 6A
Mike Collodi resigns as Mt. Lebanon football coach after 1 season
December 27, 2023
Less than a year after becoming Mt. Lebanon’s football coach, Mike Collodi is reluctantly stepping down. He resigned Wednesday after one season, largely, he said, because he saw no path to a teaching job in the district.
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Class 6A
WPIAL Class 6A
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Western Hills
Western Hills Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Tri-County South
Tri-County South Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Parkway
Parkway Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Northeast
Northeast Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Midwestern
Midwestern Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Interstate
Interstate Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Greater Allegheny
Greater Allegheny Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Eastern
Eastern Conference
2023 All-City League Football Team
Pittsburgh City League
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Century
Century Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Black Hills
Black Hills Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Big Seven
Big Seven Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Big East
Big East Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Big 7
Big 7 Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Allegheny Six
Allegheny Six
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Allegheny 6
Allegheny 6 Conference
2023 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Allegheny
Allegheny Conference
WPIAL girls basketball rankings for week ending Dec. 24, 2023
December 23, 2023
Class 6A
WPIAL boys basketball rankings for the week ending Dec. 24, 2023
Class 6A
Central Catholic’s Xxavier Thomas gets offer he ‘always wanted,’ commits to Penn State
December 21, 2023
Xxavier Thomas says he was ready to commit to Penn State since visiting the campus a year ago, but the Central Catholic junior first needed an offer from the Nittany Lions.
Western Pa.’s top football prospects for the Class of 2025
December 20, 2023
For college coaches recruiting the WPIAL, linebacker has become a position of strength.
2023 TribLive HSSN Terrific 25 Football All-Stars
Here’s a look at the TribLive High School Sports Network’s Terrific 25 football all-stars for the 2023 season.
Early signing day for 2024: WPIAL football players announce Division I commitments
High school football recruits used to have to wait until February to sign a national letter of intent, but that changed starting in 2017, when the NCAA added an early signing period for Division I football.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 17, 2023
Class 6A
Just like Revis, state champion Aliquippa football players try to transition quickly to hoops
December 15, 2023
Aliquippa basketball coach Nick Lackovich, with a laugh, pointed out that sophomore Qalil Goode was doing his best Darrelle Revis impression.
District 10 grants Farrell’s release request, moving school closer to WPIAL return
December 13, 2023
The District 10 committee has granted Farrell’s request to leave that PIAA district, moving the Mercer County school one step closer to rejoining the WPIAL.
PIAA football championship notebook: Despite criticism, St. Joseph’s Prep coach proud of powerhouse team’s achievements
December 11, 2023
St. Joseph’s Prep football has dominated the state’s largest classification for over a decade, and the Philadelphia team’s coach isn’t about to apologize for the school’s success.
North Allegheny loses to defending champ St. Joseph’s Prep in mercy rule state final
December 9, 2023
MECHANICSBURG — In the 11 years since North Allegheny last reached the PIAA finals, the landscape in the state’s largest classification has shifted to the east.
North Allegheny embraces ‘who we are’ entering state championship clash with St. Joseph’s Prep
The team North Allegheny thought most about this week, the roster of players the Tigers maybe focused on more than any other, was North Allegheny.
Imhotep Charter too much for Peters Township in Class 5A state championship game
December 8, 2023
MECHANICSBURG — Peters Township’s defense had to tackle a running back headed to Georgia, a sophomore back with SEC offers and a freshman wideout already courted by Pitt and Penn State.
Southern Columbia’s 99-yard drive dashes Westinghouse’s state championship hopes
MECHANICSBURG — It was heartache again for the ‘House.
Aliquippa dominates Dallas to become school’s 1st undefeated state championship team
December 7, 2023
MECHANICSBURG — Not Ty Law. Not Darrelle Revis. None of the all-time greats in Aliquippa history had ever celebrated an undefeated state championship. That perfect ending had eluded the Quips five times before, including just a year ago here at Cumberland Valley.
PIAA will let Woodland Hills, Charleroi fix enrollment mistakes, avoid promotion to higher classifications
December 6, 2023
The PIAA will let Woodland Hills and Charleroi fix mistakes the schools made when submitting their enrollments, errors that would’ve forced their teams into higher classifications.
Not concerned with any curse, bad luck or superstitions, Aliquippa aims to cap undefeated season with PIAA title
Aliquippa has an imperfect history in the state football finals that’s hard to explain.
Imani Christian basketball moving to 6A in 2024, football also playing up
December 4, 2023
Imani Christian is one of the smallest schools in WPIAL basketball, but the Saints want to compete with the big boys.
North Allegheny ends 11-year wait, moves on to state finals vs. powerhouse St. Joseph’s Prep
December 2, 2023
ALTOONA — North Allegheny is headed to the PIAA finals for the first time since 2012, and waiting for the Tigers will be a team that’s dominated the state for the past decade.
Aliquippa secures 3rd straight state finals appearance with win over Selinsgrove
December 1, 2023
EBENSBURG — There was some fourth-quarter suspense for Aliquippa as the final minutes ticked away in the state semifinal Friday night.
Unheralded QB runs his family’s business — Aliquippa’s offense — with championship efficiency
November 30, 2023
In a jubilant locker room where the players were even louder than the cranked-up music, Aliquippa quarterback Quentin Goode paused to think about the WPIAL football title he’d just won and why it felt different than his first two.
PIAA releases updated enrollments, classifications for 2024-25, 2025-26 seasons
November 28, 2023
The PIAA has released updated enrollment numbers for all sports, giving high school teams their first look at classifications for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
Potential enrollment error has Woodland Hills moving to WPIAL 6A football
Woodland Hills may have misreported its enrollment numbers to the PIAA, causing its sports teams to jump into higher classifications starting next year.
20 times tough: Aliquippa handles McKeesport to add to record total of WPIAL championships
November 24, 2023
Cameron Lindsey could sum up Aliquippa’s night in just a few words: “Three for three.”
In 16th straight WPIAL title game appearance, Aliquippa to meet worthy adversary in McKeesport
November 22, 2023
As a first-year coach, Matt Miller led McKeesport to the 2016 WPIAL finals, a rapid ascent that maybe skewed his perception of the playoffs.
No guarantee WPIAL welcomes back Farrell, if District 10 approves school’s transfer
November 20, 2023
Farrell wants to come back to the WPIAL after almost two decades in District 10, but a potential homecoming for the Steelers is no guarantee.
WPIAL continues investigation of racial slurs in Mohawk-Burrell football game
The WPIAL investigation is ongoing into allegations that racial slurs were used in a Burrell-Mohawk football game.
With 6 TDs, North Allegheny QB Logan Kushner shines brightest in WPIAL title win over Central Catholic
November 18, 2023
“Best player on the field” was how North Allegheny coach Art Walker described his quarterback Logan Kushner.
Aliquippa headed ‘home’ to WPIAL finals, extending championship game streak to 16 years
Whether the stadium on the North Shore is called Heinz Field or Acrisure Stadium doesn’t much matter to Aliquippa’s football players, since they have their own nickname for it.
Offense steps to forefront when Central Catholic, North Allegheny meet again for Class 6A title
November 17, 2023
The traditional style of a Central Catholic vs. North Allegheny game was always defined by the defenses. Just a year ago, they combined for a 7-3 score in a field-position battle.
Peters Township eyes 1st WPIAL title, but defending champion Pine-Richland stands in the way
This was just another week of practice for Peters Township’s football team, exactly like any of the others the Indians had this season.
5 things to watch: WPIAL playoff weekend split between finals, semifinals
November 16, 2023
Pine-Richland will eat breakfast together a few hours before kickoff, part of a pregame routine Saturday that differs from most weeks.
4 WPIAL football championships will be televised with support from Steelers
November 14, 2023
The four WPIAL football championship games held at Acrisure Stadium will be televised this year, thanks to support from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the WPIAL announced Tuesday.
Coaches association names 2023 WPIAL field hockey all-stars
November 13, 2023
The WPIAL Field Hockey Coaches Association announced postseason honors Monday, including all-stars for each classification and a 24-person all-WPIAL team.
Farrell wants to rejoin WPIAL after nearly 2 decades in District 10
Farrell athletic director and football coach Anthony Pegues calls himself “a WPIAL guy,” since the Steelers played here in the WPIAL when he was on the team.
5 things we learned in Week 11 of the WPIAL football season: Semifinals feature new blood
November 11, 2023
Some teams are penciled into the semifinals before the WPIAL playoffs even start. Aliquippa, after winning Friday, will make its 17th straight appearance in the final four.
WPIAL announces playoff sites for football semifinals
WPIAL football playoffs
Touchdown with 2 seconds left sends defending champ Pine-Richland back to WPIAL finals
November 10, 2023
Pine-Richland was two seconds away from a season-ending loss when freshman Aaron “Oobi” Strader narrowly crossed the goal line on a touchdown run that has the defending champion headed back to the WPIAL finals.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 11: Regular season rematches dominate playoff schedule
About two months ago, Penn Hills coach Charles Morris made a prediction before he left the field at Pine-Richland’s stadium.
WPIAL Equity Council to review Burrell’s allegations that Mohawk football players used racist remarks
November 9, 2023
The WPIAL will have a role in resolving the dispute between Burrell and Mohawk, whose football teams played a game marred by allegations of racial slurs.
WPIAL allowing Burrell, Mohawk to settle racist taunts dispute
November 8, 2023
The WPIAL is hopeful Mohawk and Burrell can resolve allegations of racial taunts involving their football teams without the league’s intervention.
Judge grants Jonna Burke preliminary injunction letting basketball coach avoid PIAA suspension
A federal judge has granted Jonna Burke’s request for a preliminary injunction, a legal victory that lets the Shady Side Academy girls basketball coach avoid a PIAA suspension for now.
Burrell football coach says playoff opponent used racial slurs, his protest led to ejection
November 5, 2023
Burrell football coach Shawn Liotta said his players were targeted with racial slurs in a game Friday against Mohawk and that he was ejected after confronting game officials about it.
North Allegheny trying to make most of calm before the playoff storm
The North Allegheny football team didn’t have a game in the first week of the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers took a week off.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 10: Wildcat formation works for WPIAL teams
November 4, 2023
The wildcat formation is almost as old as WPIAL football itself, but the run-oriented offense is proving hard to stop.
WPIAL announces sites, times for Friday’s football playoff games
WPIAL football playoffs
No. 5 Moon thwarts final drive, runs past Gateway in WPIAL 5A quarterfinals
Moon ran the football almost 70 times Friday night, and Gateway coach Don Holl marveled that not once were the Tigers flagged for holding.
WPIAL rules North Catholic baseball player ineligible after transfer
November 2, 2023
The WPIAL ruled North Catholic junior Jake McKee ineligible for the upcoming baseball season after transferring from New Brighton.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 10: Run vs. pass option to decide Class 5A playoff openers
The run-pass option is a staple for offenses nowadays and this year’s WPIAL Class 5A bracket is one big RPO.
2-time state champion Joe Rossi resigns as South Fayette football coach
November 1, 2023
Joe Rossi says his wife, Karley, should teach a course for coaches’ wives. The Rossis have four kids, they’re all involved in sports, and he was often busy as South Fayette’s football coach.
WPIAL adding teams to Class 6A football; PIAA releases enrollment parameters for next 2 school years
October 31, 2023
The WPIAL will have more Class 6A football teams next season with Hempfield and Norwin set to join the league’s big-school classification.
Hopewell football coach Matt Weiss resigns after 5 seasons
Hopewell football coach Matt Weiss resigned Monday after five seasons with the Vikings, a program that has struggled significantly for more than a decade.
WPIAL shows love for traditionally tough Parkway, gives home games to 4 teams
October 29, 2023
West Allegheny’s football team rode on a bus for more than an hour a year ago when the Indians opened the WPIAL playoffs in Fayette County.
Breaking down the WPIAL football playoffs: Favorites, challengers, predictions
October 28, 2023
Favorite: Central Catholic reached the WPIAL finals in nine of the past 10 seasons, winning five titles in that span. This year’s team outscored conference opponents 190-35, led by senior QB Payton Wehner (2,300 yards, 31 TDs). WR Peter Gonzalez (Penn State), LB/TE Cole Sullivan (Wisconsin) and LB Anthony Speca (Penn State) are all Big Ten recruits. First-year coach Ryan Lehmeier won WPIAL titles as a Pine-Richland assistant.
Trib HSSN high school football rankings, Week ending Oct. 29, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
WPIAL reveals pairings for 2023 football playoffs
Neshannock is already the Midwestern Conference champion, but to reach the WPIAL finals the Lancers will need to win the Century Conference, too.
North Allegheny plans ‘Learn to Row’ event to teach students, prospective team members
Bailey Chick wasn’t someone who grew up rowing, and in fact didn’t try the sport until she was a college student at Temple. But one day the rowing team there was inviting novices to practice, so she went and gave it a try.
Final WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast 2023 football playoff pairings
Let the guesswork begin.
Aliquippa uses 1-play touchdown drives to top rival Central Valley, clinch Parkway title
The biggest worry for a defense facing Aliquippa isn’t a long, grinding touchdown drive that eats the clock and wears you away physically.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 9: Head-to-head matchups to decide 9 conference titles
October 27, 2023
The wait is over.
Conference title hopes add heft to Aliquippa, Central Valley rivalry
One of coach Mike Warfield’s favorite sayings compares the fragility of success with that of a crystal glass, saying both can “break into 1,000 pieces” if you don’t hold onto them.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast 2023 football playoff pairings
October 26, 2023
Pairing the WPIAL football brackets is a difficult job once the playoff field is set, but it’s much, much harder when 15 spots are still undecided. That’s the situation now.
WPIAL announces pairings for 2023 field hockey playoffs
October 24, 2023
Defending WPIAL field hockey champions Pine-Richland and Penn-Trafford each earned No. 1 seeds Tuesday when the WPIAL playoff brackets were announced.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 8: WPIAL playoff hopefuls shake off early-season losses
October 21, 2023
Not only did Keystone Oaks lose three of its first four games, the Eagles also started the season by losing their best player to injury.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 22, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
‘Young and hungry’ North Allegheny takes ice with new-look roster
Only a sophomore, Luke Walkauskas skates on one of North Allegheny’s top lines, where he’s joined by two more 10th graders in Brendan White and Eddie Scherer.
Pine-Richland’s punishing ground game too much for Woodland Hills
There is nothing fancy about Pine-Richland’s wildcat offense and by now, it could hardly catch anyone by surprise.
Former Imani Christian standout Alier Maluk commits to Florida State
October 20, 2023
Former WPIAL basketball player Alier Maluk, who won a state title last winter with Imani Christian, announced his commitment to Florida State on Friday.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 8: Traditionally tough Parkway lives up to reputation
The Parkway Conference was traditionally considered among the best battles in WPIAL football, and this year’s version has lived up to that reputation.
Close friends to match wits when Pine-Richland, Woodland Hills meet in critical Class 5A clash
First-year Woodland Hills coach Brian Tarrant says he probably wouldn’t have his job without help from friend Jon LeDonne.
Former Kiski Area athlete Kyrell Hutcherson suing school district, WPIAL, PIAA, claiming racial discrimination
October 19, 2023
A former high school athlete who defeated the WPIAL and PIAA in court almost three years ago has sued the organizations again, this time saying they violated his civil rights by racially discriminating against him.
Steelers, NFL roots run deep with North Allegheny football team
October 15, 2023
There usually is a Super Bowl champion or two somewhere in the crowd at North Allegheny football games and it’s been that way for about a decade.
Coin flip decides final 2 spots in City League football playoffs
Allderdice, Brashear and Perry finished tied in the City League standings, which was a problem since only two could qualify for the football playoffs.
5 things we learned in Week 7 of WPIAL high school football: Long playoff drought over
October 14, 2023
One of the WPIAL’s longest active playoff droughts is over, and another long streak also could end this year.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 15, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
Bruising McKeesport running back Spell spells trouble for Gateway
October 13, 2023
McKeesport fullback Keith Spell was losing steam on a 79-yard touchdown run, so the senior turned, stiff-armed the nearest tackler to the ground and continued into the end zone.
5 things to watch in Week 7: How will WPIAL teams approach late-season nonconference matchups?
The WPIAL schedule-makers gave McKeesport a nonconference game this week, which some coaches might dread this late in the season.
Might Penn Hills try to ‘simulate’ winning strategy in matchup with Central Catholic?
October 12, 2023
Needless to say, Penn Hills was interested in watching game film from Central Catholic’s loss last week, since that was the first time the Vikings had looked vulnerable all season.
Moon coach Bill Pfeifer nears 500th win, an unprecedented feat in WPIAL girls soccer
October 10, 2023
Undefeated state champion, national coach of the year and the winningest coach in Pennsylvania girls soccer history. Moon’s Bill Pfeifer was all of those last fall and says he thought about retiring on top after a season that couldn’t have gone any better.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 6: Trinity finds diamond with signature win
October 7, 2023
There’s a popular meme that shows two miners digging for diamonds, but one gives up within inches of striking it rich.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 7, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
North Allegheny shakes off rivalry loss, focuses on future
North Allegheny’s football stadium was filled nearly to capacity for a hyped-up game with rival Central Catholic. There was an electric atmosphere in the crowd, yet the Tigers ended the night feeling drained after a lopsided loss.
Carter Shanafelt scores 4 times as Peters Township rockets past Moon
Speedy receiver Carter Shanafelt was in such a hurry Friday night that he started a second-half rally before halftime.
Shady Side Academy forfeits football game against Knoch
October 6, 2023
Shady Side Academy has forfeited Friday night’s football game against Knoch because of an illness among “several players,” the school announced hours before kickoff.
‘Outside of the box’ defense has Peters Township ranked No. 1 in WPIAL 5A
Peters Township’s T.J. Plack is an offensive-minded head coach of a high-scoring team that averages five touchdowns a week, yet he raves about a defense he calls special.
5 things to watch in Week 6: As NFL mourns, WPIAL remembers ‘coach’ Dick Butkus
Dick Butkus became legendary as one of the fiercest linebackers in NFL history, but folks around the WPIAL might remember him as “Coach” Butkus.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 5: Ground game pays off in win column
September 30, 2023
One of the WPIAL’s leading rushers shook off an ankle injury and returned to the field Friday night, helping West Greene’s offense run its way to victory.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 30. 2023
WPIAL football rankings
For North Allegheny cross country team, it’s a matter of staying the course
When it comes to putting down cones, North Allegheny might be second only to PennDOT. There are always plenty lining the school’s cross county course in North Park.
Wildcat attack sparks dominant 3rd quarter as Avonworth runs away from West Mifflin
There was no fiery halftime speech, but instead, one offensive adjustment had Avonworth looking like a different team in the third quarter.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 5: Finally, every team has reached conference play
September 29, 2023
WPIAL teams are now five weeks into the football season and 14 schools had yet to play a conference game.
Fear the Antelopes: Under-the-radar Avonworth to meet West Mifflin in key conference clash
September 28, 2023
Would there be more buzz for a type of cat, bear or angry bird?
Suspended Shady Side Academy coach Jonna Burke files lawsuit against PIAA
September 27, 2023
Shady Side Academy girls basketball coach Jonna Burke, who’s facing a one-year suspension for an alleged recruiting violation, has sued the PIAA seeking an injunction that would let her coach.
North Catholic junior Brady O’Hara commits to Penn State: ‘White Out sold it for me’
September 26, 2023
North Catholic junior Brady O’Hara has visited Penn State’s campus enough times that he’s almost lost count.
Aliquippa junior Tiqwai Hayes commits to Penn State
September 25, 2023
When Penn State assistant coach Terry Smith visited an Aliquippa football practice three years ago, he approached Quips coach Mike Warfield with a question.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 4: Brownsville wins for 1st time in 4 seasons
September 23, 2023
The drive home from Cupples Stadium is about an hour, but good news travels faster than Brownsville’s team bus.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 24, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
North Allegheny boys soccer team living up to standards set by 2nd-year coach
This is year two for Manuel Montero, and the North Allegheny boys soccer coach says there’s a much greater comfort level for the team this fall, and it shows.
Central Catholic makes statement, handles North Allegheny
September 22, 2023
There already were reasons to believe Central Catholic was the team to beat in the WPIAL, starting with a roster that’s heavy in major-college recruits.
North Allegheny, Central Catholic are familiar rivals, but this No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash has different feel
North Allegheny’s practices were noticeably faster this week, said coach Art Walker, but the Tigers weren’t getting off the field any earlier. It’s just that the defense was working at a quicker pace.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 4: Schedule pits No. 1 vs. No. 2 in top-ranked matchups
If a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup wasn’t enough excitement for a Friday night, this week also is homecoming at Peters Township, so football coach T.J. Plack had a message for his players.
Laurel school board limits girls sports at its facilities to athletes with ‘XX chromosomes’
September 20, 2023
Citing concerns over safety and fairness, one WPIAL school district has adopted a gender policy that limits girls sports to biological females.
WPIAL says discipline for ‘egregious’ Imani Christian-Steel Valley fight rests with schools
September 18, 2023
“Egregious” was how WPIAL executive director Scott Seltzer described Friday’s fight between Imani Christian and Steel Valley football players, but he was optimistic there’d be a resolution without WPIAL intervention.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 3: Turnarounds abound this year
September 16, 2023
Call this the year of the turnaround.
Fight mars final minute of Imani Christian-Steel Valley football game
The WPIAL will look into an on-field fight that marred the final minute of Friday night’s football game between Imani Christian and Steel Valley.
WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 17, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
No. 4 Beaver has right answers for defeating No. 5 South Park in Western Hills opener
Amari Jackson was upset for about 15 seconds and Beaver teammate Qualan Cain felt down for no more than 20.
5 things to watch in WPIAL Week 3: Preseason contenders cope with 0-3 starts
September 15, 2023
West Mifflin started the season ranked second in WPIAL Class 3A, but the Titans are still winless after three weeks.
Westinghouse tops University Prep, but ‘made too many mistakes’ for state title aspirations
Westinghouse sophomore Kyshawn Robinson scored twice and senior Sincere Shannon forced a fumble with a strip sack, but neither was all too happy.
PIAA changes how it counts students, likely increasing public school enrollment numbers
September 13, 2023
Public schools will see their enrollments increase in the next few months, at least according to PIAA statistics.
NIL violations will leave high school athletes ineligible under new PIAA policy
Pennsylvania high school athletes who repeatedly violate name, image and likeness rules would lose their eligibility entirely under penalties adopted Wednesday by the PIAA.
5 things we learned in Week 2: Rough night for defending WPIAL champions
September 11, 2023
Week 2 was a rough night for defending WPIAL champions.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 10, 2023
September 9, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
Injured Laurel Highlands football player Antwan Black, flown by medical helicopter, ‘in good spirits’
As injured teammate Antwan Black Jr. was on his way to the hospital, first by ambulance and then by helicopter, Laurel Highlands players had a tough decision to make.
North Allegheny reloads lineup in quest for 7th straight PIAA volleyball title
First-time starters on the North Allegheny girls volleyball team surely have more seasoning than most since they’ve practiced for years against a state championship lineup.
Quarterback Julian Dugger shows his versatility as No. 1 Penn Hills holds off No. 2 Pine-Richland
It’s no exaggeration when Penn Hills quarterback Julian Dugger says he did everything he could to win this one.
5 things to watch in Week 2: WPIAL teams are winning with multiple QBs
September 8, 2023
There’s an old saying about football teams with two starting quarterbacks actually having none, but Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak clearly disagrees.
‘Champs until proven otherwise:’ Penn Hills challenges Pine-Richland in No. 1 vs. 2 clash
September 7, 2023
Penn Hills is ranked No. 1 in WPIAL football, but Pine-Richland is the reigning conference, WPIAL and PIAA champion until someone takes those titles away.
Aliquippa running back Tiqwai Hayes narrows college options to Top 8
September 5, 2023
College football teams from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 are among the eight favorites to land Aliquippa running back Tiqwai Hayes.
5 things we learned in high school football Week 1: Longtime Bethel Park coach returns but on opposite sideline
September 2, 2023
Seeing Jeff Metheny at Bethel Park’s football stadium isn’t unusual, but seeing the longtime Black Hawks coach wearing Mt. Lebanon colors certainly is.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 3, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
Mt. Lebanon tops rival Bethel Park in overtime, avenging last year’s OT loss
September 1, 2023
Mt. Lebanon thought they’d won and then were sure they’d lost, so the surprised smile junior Noah Schaerli showed afterward summed up Friday’s win perfectly.
Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon ignore talk of ‘down year’ after coaching change, graduations
New head coaches. Rosters hurt by graduation. Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon came into this football season with similar situations.
5 things to watch in Week 1: A red-letter day in Aliquippa as the new Heinz Field opens
Not only is Aliquippa’s new football stadium named Heinz Field, but like its North Shore namesake, the Red Zone should be popular.
5 things we learned in Week Zero: New coaches find success quickly
August 26, 2023
Central Catholic players were kneeling around new coach Ryan Lehmeier in a postgame circle when longtime Vikings assistant Ron Fuchs spoke up.
Trib HSSN WPIAL high school football rankings: Week ending Aug. 27, 2023
WPIAL football rankings
Central Catholic routs Woodland Hills in Ryan Lehmeier’s debut as Vikings coach
There’s no question Ryan Lehmeier’s reputation as a motivator and sharp offensive mind enticed Central Catholic to hire him as a first-time head coach.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the new coaches
August 24, 2023
TribLive HSSN broke down the top players at one position per day leading up to Week Zero. Now, here’s a look at the top coaching changes for the 2023 season.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the specialists
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top specialists for the 2023 season.
High school teams go high tech: Local football programs invest in innovative tools
North Allegheny’s Art Walker has coached long enough to remember when filming practice required a bulky camcorder and tapes.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the safeties
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top safeties for the 2023 season.
Bishop Canevin gets back to basics in quest to return to top of WPIAL Class A heap
August 23, 2023
Bishop Canevin coach Rich Johnson believes his team will be boring at times this season, and he’s excited to see it.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the cornerbacks
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top cornerbacks for the 2023 season.
PIAA upholds 1-year suspension for Shady Side Academy girls basketball coach Jonna Burke
August 22, 2023
The PIAA sided with the WPIAL on Tuesday and upheld the one-year suspension of Shady Side Academy girls basketball coach Jonna Burke.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the linebackers
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top linebackers for the 2023 season.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the defensive line
August 21, 2023
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top defensive linemen for the 2023 season.
With roster loaded with skill, Clairton planning to return to WPIAL championship picture
August 20, 2023
Call it what you want, football in shorts or touch football, but Clairton coach Wayne Wade sees some value in 7-on-7 tournaments, so his Bears spend the summer competing in them.
2023 WPIAL Class 5A football breakdown: Reaching postseason no easy task
In WPIAL Class 5A, there’s no room for error.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the tight ends
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top tight ends for the 2023 season.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the offensive line
August 19, 2023
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top offensive linemen for the 2023 season.
Clairton seeking donations to renovate 93-year-old football stadium
August 18, 2023
Before next football season, Clairton’s nearly century-old stadium could undergo a major renovation with new seats, locker rooms and restrooms, artificial turf, modern lighting and a brickwork entrance.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the wide receivers
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top wide receivers for the 2023 season.
Enthusiasm grows at Imani Christian with numbers up, talent abundant
August 17, 2023
Imani Christian’s practices look different this summer than last, largely because there are twice as many players.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the running backs
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top running backs for the 2023 season.
2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the quarterbacks
August 15, 2023
Starting today, TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top quarterbacks for the 2023 season.
With experienced roster returning, Mars’ jump is ‘mind blowing’
August 12, 2023
Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz doesn’t go out of his way to compare his current team with his previous one, but he does see some promising similarities.New North Allegheny hall of famer Mike McMahon tutoring next generation of QBs
Some quarterbacks get starting jobs early in high school, draw college offers as sophomores and hear fans predict how they’ll someday play on Sundays.
Skill returns, but Aliquippa has holes to fill in quest for WPIAL 3-peat
August 11, 2023
In a tradition-rich football town with 19 WPIAL titles, change doesn’t come easily for everyone.
New Woodland Hills coach expects big, athletic line to pave way to success
August 10, 2023
Woodland Hills football is well known for the wide receivers, running backs and defense backs who migrated from Friday nights to Saturdays and eventually Sunday afternoons.
With new big-play offense, Gateway looks to return to playoff win column
August 9, 2023
Most visitors return from Florida with theme park souvenirs, a suntan and maybe some oranges, but Gateway coach Don Holl brought home a new offense.
As football season begins with heat week, Central Catholic starts to lay foundation
August 7, 2023
Central Catholic’s new football coach, Ryan Lehmeier, and his predecessor, Terry Totten, were both on the practice field Monday when the Vikings started heat acclimation.
Blackhawk preparing to change football coaches days before camp starts
Add one more name to the list of schools with new head football coaches.
2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Westinghouse’s Kyshawn Robinson
August 5, 2023
Westinghouse reached the state finals last fall with a senior-heavy lineup, so the Bulldogs are destined for a down year, right?
2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: North Catholic’s Brady O’Hara
July 30, 2023
Being tall isn’t a new experience for North Catholic’s Brady O’Hara.
‘No one has a better answer:’ PIAA relying on principals to identify transgender athletes
July 29, 2023
High school principals in Pennsylvania are asked to identify transgender athletes as male or female under PIAA rules, while other states empower a health care provider or use a student’s birth certificate to make that decision.
2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: West Mifflin’s Rico Steele
July 25, 2023
Rico Steele earned all-conference honors a year ago as a big-bodied brawler, but the West Mifflin lineman spent the offseason reinventing himself.
Recruiting by H.S. coaches under microscope after Shady Side basketball coach’s suspension
July 22, 2023
A one-year suspension is the punishment for any PIAA coach caught recruiting, but is that rule taken seriously in every case and in all corners of the state?
WPIAL suspends Shady Side Academy girls basketball coach Jonna Burke for recruiting violation
July 20, 2023
When the parents of a basketball player from another school followed her on Twitter, Shady Side Academy coach Jonna Burke checked their profiles and sent them a direct message.
2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Mt. Lebanon’s Connor Young
July 18, 2023
Watching game film of last season was Mike Collodi’s way to learn quickly about the Blue Devils roster he inherited after Mt. Lebanon hired him as football coach.
1-and-1 free throws eliminated in basketball rule changes approved by PIAA
July 14, 2023
The one-and-one free throw has effectively fouled out of Pennsylvania high school basketball.
PIAA expands competitive-balance rule to include baseball, softball, soccer and other sports
The PIAA competitive-balance rule that now targets only football and basketball is expanding to include more team sports and some individual ones.
2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Bishop Canevin’s Jason Cross
July 12, 2023
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of 25 profiles of the members of the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team.
Oakland A’s select Brownsville outfielder Derrick Tarpley in MLB Draft
July 11, 2023
Brownsville maybe isn’t a familiar stop for some MLB scouts, but the Oakland A’s visited multiple times this spring to see senior outfielder Derrick Tarpley.
USA Today names 3 WPIAL greats among best high school quarterbacks in history
July 10, 2023
Who was the best high school quarterback in history?
North Allegheny’s Kellie McConnell follows familiar path, commits to Duquesne basketball
July 7, 2023
Kellie McConnell’s family is already linked with Duquesne basketball’s past and present, so she decided to help shape the program’s future as well.
2023 Pennsylvania All-State Softball Team
July 6, 2023
Avonworth’s Alivia Lantzy, Seneca Valley’s Lexie Hames and Serra Catholic’s Caroline Malandra earned individual honors Thursday when the all-state softball team was announced.
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher named 2022-23 TribLive HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year
July 2, 2023
Rodney Gallagher was so good at both basketball and football that the Laurel Highlands star considered for a while trying to play both in college.
Freedom’s Shaye Bailey named 2022-23 TribLive HSSN Girls Athlete of the Year
In an era where specialization is trendy in high school sports, Freedom’s Shaye Bailey doesn’t like that idea.
2023 Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Year: Shaler’s Miguel Hugas
July 1, 2023
The Strath Haven students behind the third base dugout decided to taunt Miguel Hugas with chants of “overrated.”
Looking back: The WPIAL’s top storylines from 2022-23
Nov. 11, 2022
Bishop Canevin safety Jason Cross, whose recruiting stock soared, commits to West Virginia
June 30, 2023
As one of the WPIAL’s hottest football recruits, Jason Cross spent months touring far-flung college campuses, with visits to Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Kentucky, Syracuse and Cincinnati on his calendar.
2023 TribLive HSSN Softball All-Stars
June 29, 2023
Neshannock’s Addyson Frye and Union’s Mia Preuhs were only sophomores this spring, yet the standout pitchers are already two-time WPIAL champions each.
2023 TribLive HSSN Baseball All-Stars
June 28, 2023
This was a historic spring for WPIAL baseball teams, starting with Riverside’s undefeated run to a state championship, something no other WPIAL team had ever accomplished.
KDKA announces 10-game high school football schedule for Pittsburgh’s CW
June 26, 2023
KDKA will televise regular season high school football games this fall on sister station Pittsburgh’s CW starting with an Aug. 25 contest between Blackhawk and Beaver Falls.
North Allegheny added more plaques, medals to trophy case during 2022-23 school year
June 24, 2023
This was another banner year for North Allegheny athletics with teams winning WPIAL titles, PIAA championships, and even a Gatorade Player of the Year award for the school’s top girls volleyball player.
Central Catholic wide receiver Peter Gonzalez commits to Penn State
June 23, 2023
Central Catholic wide receiver Peter Gonzalez, one of the state’s top college recruits, committed Friday to Penn State.
Mt. Lebanon’s 7th-inning rally falls short in state finals loss to Father Judge
June 17, 2023
UNIVERSITY PARK – The Mt. Lebanon baseball players left the state championship game with silver medals, but the Blue Devils’ coach insisted he’d always remembered this team as golden.
Keystone Oaks defensive back Clinton Robinson commits to Syracuse
Keystone Oaks defensive back Clinton Robinson, who’ll be a senior in the fall, has committed to Syracuse.
Shaler erases 5-run deficit, celebrates PIAA title with walk-off win
June 15, 2023
UNIVERSITY PARK — Starting pitcher Derek Leas lasted only nine batters before his coach pulled him from the mound, but this state championship will be remembered for its improbable comebacks.
Riverside makes history as undefeated PIAA baseball champion
UNIVERSITY PARK — In his 55 years as baseball coach at Riverside, Dan Oliastro has seen quite a bit, but he’d never seen this.
WPIAL awards streaming rights to NFHS Network; future of free viewing of championships in doubt
June 14, 2023
High school sports fans likely will have to pay to watch WPIAL football and basketball championships after the league awarded video streaming rights for its playoffs to the NFHS Network.
Mt. Lebanon celebrates Senior Week with win over Cedar Cliff, trip to state finals
June 13, 2023
Many of Tanner Donati’s classmates traveled to Ocean City, Md., to celebrate their recent high school graduation with a week of sand and sun.
PIAA postpones Mt. Lebanon, Shaler baseball state semifinals to Tuesday
June 11, 2023
WPIAL champions Mt. Lebanon and Shaler were among the baseball teams who had their PIAA semifinals postponed due to rainy weather Monday.
North Allegheny’s Ray Brinzer takes place among other WPIAL all-time greats
June 10, 2023
Thinking back to his 109-match winning streak in high school, former North Allegheny wrestler Ray Brinzer admits he was a little surprised.
Shaler ace Miguel Hugas comes through in PIAA quarterfinal win over Penn-Trafford
June 8, 2023
The original plan for Shaler ace Miguel Hugas wasn’t to pitch him in the state quarterfinals, but Penn-Trafford ran into the talented Alabama recruit here anyway.
Wisconsin lands another WPIAL recruit as Pine-Richland lineman Ryan Cory commits
June 6, 2023
Six hundred miles separate the University of Wisconsin from Western Pennsylvania, but the Badgers’ football coaches keep attracting WPIAL recruits to Madison.
Mt. Lebanon capitalizes on 4-error inning by Manheim Township in PIAA playoff win
June 5, 2023
Eight miles was how far Mt. Lebanon traveled to reach Boyce Mayview Park, the site of Monday’s state playoff game.
Former Steeler Jonathan Hayes highlights WPIAL Hall of Fame induction with focus on family
June 2, 2023
NFL veteran Jonathan Hayes is best known for playing tight end and coaching football, but as a student at South Fayette, his parents made sure he was involved in other activities.
PIAA reveals sites, times for 1st round of state softball playoffs
Avonworth and Neshannock repeated as WPIAL softball champions this week, but now they’ll try to win back-to-back state titles as well.
PIAA announces sites, times for 1st round of state baseball playoffs
The six WPIAL baseball champions will start the state tournament close to home, but nobody will be closer than Riverside.
Mt. Lebanon’s David Shields no-hits North Allegheny in WPIAL Class 6A baseball championship game
May 31, 2023
Mt. Lebanon has a knack for no-hitters in WPIAL championship games.
Venezuelan star leads Shaler to dominant win over Bethel Park in WPIAL Class 5A finals
May 30, 2023
Miguel Hugas sparked a championship celebration in Shaler Township, but the star senior was sure he’d hear from some happy baseball fans in Venezuela too.
McKeesport’s Jahmil Perryman scores twice as Pennsylvania wins Big 33 Football Classic
May 29, 2023
McKeesport’s Jahmil Perryman scored twice, and Team Pennsylvania rallied with a late touchdown to win the Big 33 Football Classic, 31-27, over the Maryland all-stars Sunday in Harrisburg.
Riverview’s Amberson Bauer runs away with 800 title at PIAA championships
May 27, 2023
Amberson Bauer prepares for track meets with some visualization, running each stage of a race through his head with mental reps.
Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo extends family’s winning streak to 5 at PIAA championships
The PIAA had a special guest award Brownsville senior Jolena Quarzo her final state championship gold medal — her older sister Gionna.
Mt. Lebanon’s Logan St. John Kletter breaks PIAA championship record in 3,200 meters
SHIPPENSBURG — At this time last year, Logan St. John Kletter was suffering from a nerve condition in her foot and wondering when she’d run competitively again.
PIAA notebook: Injury knocks highly seeded WPIAL champion out of 100 meters
SHIPPENSBURG — An injury cut short New Castle sprinter Kaevon Gardner’s debut at the state track championships Friday, forcing one of the top athletes in the 100-meter dash to make an early exit.
Freeport senior shakes off rough start, claims PIAA discus medal
May 26, 2023
SHIPPENSBURG — After her first couple of discus throws produced a foul and a 104-footer, Reese Skiba’s state championship was off to a lackluster start.
Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo defends 1,600-meter title at PIAA track championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo decided to skip more races than usual in her senior year, but this wasn’t a case of senioritis.
Coaches wish PIAA team track title could be decided in playoff format like WPIAL
May 25, 2023
It takes a team effort to win a WPIAL team track title, but that’s not necessarily true for winning a state title.
‘Tremendous issue’ with foot hasn’t slowed Upper St. Clair sprinter Dani Prunzik entering states
Nobody who saw Dani Prunzik sprint across the finish line at the WPIAL track championships could’ve guessed the Upper St. Clair senior has battled a painful foot injury for almost a year.
Longtime Hampton athletic director Bill Cardone to retire
May 24, 2023
Longtime Hampton athletic director Bill Cardone won’t be making as many trips to Mars or Moon, but soon he’ll have plenty of free time to travel the world.
Plum reliever shuts door on South Fayette in Class 5A quarterfinals
May 22, 2023
Plum relief pitcher Colin Watson isn’t so worried about how things start but rather how they finish.
Peters Township’s Brendan McCullough makes key interception in East-West all-star win
Peters Township defensive back Brendan McCullough made a late-game interception Sunday that secured a 24-16 victory for his West team in the PSFCA East-West Big School Game in Harrisburg.
From snowboarding to javelin, North Allegheny’s Alaina Fantaski is a determined champion
May 20, 2023
North Allegheny senior Alaina Fantaski was a nationally ranked snowboarder in junior high, who also tried fencing and more traditional activities like basketball.
Canon-McMillan’s Rose Kuchera wins 4 gold medals while crisscrossing WPIAL track championships
May 17, 2023
Canon-McMillan’s Rose Kuchera was relaxing in the team’s tent when a teammate asked if she was running the 100-meter hurdles.
5 things to watch at WPIAL track and field championships
The WPIAL might be known best for its football hall of famers, but don’t overlook the league’s track and field pedigree.
Known for high-flying dunks, Penn Hills’ Daemar Kelly now leaping over high jump bars
May 16, 2023
Anyone who saw Daemar Kelly finish an alley-oop this winter knows the Penn Hills senior can almost fly. In a gym, on a wood floor, with a basketball in his hands, few around the WPIAL jump higher than him.
NFHS eliminates 1-and-1 foul shots from high school basketball rulebook
May 15, 2023
The pressure of shooting a one-and-one is likely to vanish from high school basketball.
Former OLSH basketball star Jake DiMichele commits to Duquesne
May 12, 2023
Former Our Lady of the Sacred Heart basketball star Jake DiMichele, who graduated a year ago as one of WPIAL’s all-time leading scorers, committed Friday to Duquesne.
Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan commits to Michigan
Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan committed Friday to Michigan, choosing the Wolverines over finalists Duke, Notre Dame, Stanford and Wisconsin.
Breaking down the 2023 WPIAL baseball playoffs
Class 6A
WPIAL releases brackets for 2023 baseball playoffs
Who’s No. 1?
WPIAL announces pairings for 2023 softball playoffs
May 11, 2023
Last year’s winners are back for more.
WPIAL adds Pittsburgh Pirates as sponsor for baseball, softball championships
The WPIAL baseball and softball finals will include racing pierogies, T-shirt tosses and a famous green parrot now that the Pittsburgh Pirates have become a presenting sponsor of the high school championship games.
WPIAL awards Mars, Peters Township top seeds in boys lacrosse playoffs
Defending WPIAL and state champion Mars will begin its title defense as a No. 1 seed in the WPIAL boys lacrosse playoffs.
Bob Palko among 5 football coaches chosen for PSFCA Hall of Fame
Bob Palko, who won a record nine WPIAL football titles at West Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon, will be inducted this month into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Pine-Richland, Mars draw top seeds in WPIAL girls lacrosse playoffs
Pine-Richland and Mars received the top seeds when the WPIAL announced brackets for the girls lacrosse playoffs Thursday.
North Allegheny girls, boys sweep WPIAL Class 3A track and field team titles
May 9, 2023
North Allegheny track coach John Neff said he had trouble deciding which three girls should run the 3,200 meters Tuesday, mainly because the Tigers had too many good options.
WPIAL softball rankings: Week ending May 7, 2023
Class 6A
Moon’s Jacob Puhalla defends McKinney Mile title in Baldwin Invite’s marquee race
Once Jacob Puhalla wins a track title, the Moon runner likes to win it again.
Many WPIAL athletes at Baldwin Invitational embrace challenge of back-to-back meets
Liz Tapper is one of the state’s top throwers, but the Hempfield senior faced a challenge Friday that was new to her and many others at the Baldwin Invitational.
2023 all-state boys basketball team includes 29 WPIAL players
May 3, 2023
Aquinas Academy’s Vinnie Cugini and Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine earned all-state player of the year honors Wednesday as two of the most prolific scorers in WPIAL boys basketball.
WPIAL team track, boys tennis events postponed Tuesday because of rain
May 2, 2023
Tuesday’s cold, wet weather led the WPIAL to postpone tennis and team track and field events until later in the week.
Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan narrows college options to ‘Top 5’
April 30, 2023
Central Catholic already has one junior linebacker committed to a Power 5 school but soon will have another.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 30, 2023
Class 6A
North Allegheny hosting Western Pa. Football Recruiting Day to connect with college coaches
There are dozens of small-college football coaches who recruit Western Pennsylvania, but sometimes a talented WPIAL player can go overlooked in the process.
North Hills’ Royce Parham commits to Marquette
April 26, 2023
North Hills junior Royce Parham, one of the WPIAL’s top college basketball recruits, committed Wednesday to Marquette.
Former North Allegheny basketball coach Dan DeRose files lawsuit against Fox Chapel School District after ’21 altercation
Dan DeRose wants to coach high school basketball again, but the former WPIAL champion said school districts have shied away because of criminal charges he faced two years ago involving Fox Chapel school police.
South Fayette’s Maddie Webber, Union coach Rob Nogay lead all-state girls basketball team
April 24, 2023
South Fayette senior Maddie Webber, a Villanova recruit who led the Lions to a WPIAL title and a PIAA runner-up finish this winter, was named the state’s Class 5A girls basketball player of the year by all-state voters.
WPIAL Baseball rankings: Week ending April 23, 2023
Class 6A
North Allegheny sprinter Khiryn Boyd showing off his speed among WPIAL’s best
After not running track for a year, North Allegheny sprinter Khiryn Boyd was curious about the times being run this spring and how his compared with his competitors.
PIAA adds 500 officials, but shortage remains ‘major issue’ for many sports
April 19, 2023
Statewide efforts to recruit and retain high school game officials are seeing some positive results, said a PIAA administrator who oversees the men and women in stripes.
WPIAL announces 20 winners of James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award
The WPIAL saw an increased number of applicants for the James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award this year, and Wednesday announced 20 winners from the 162 nominees.
Trib HSSN WPIAL softball rankings: Week ending April 16, 2023
Class 6A
500-game winner Dana Petruska retires as Mars basketball coach, cites ‘some parent situations’
Mars girls basketball coach Dana Petruska is retiring after 37 years and more than 500 wins, in part because there were too many wannabe coaches in the stands.
Deep North Allegheny girls track and field team takes aim at defending WPIAL title
Recent history says the North Allegheny girls have a good chance to repeat as WPIAL team track champions later this spring. Consider, in the past 30 years, no Class 3A girls champion has won the title only once.
South Park promotes longtime assistant to football coach
April 14, 2023
South Park’s new football coach is already very familiar with the program.
Moon finds replacement for retiring athletic director Ron Ledbetter
Moon has hired a new athletic director to replace Ron Ledbetter, who is retiring this summer after a 33-year career as an educator. The school on Thursday announced the hire of current Beaver athletic director Alan Alcalde.
Butler basketball standout Braylon Littlejohn commits to Miami (Ohio) — for football
April 12, 2023
When Butler’s Braylon Littlejohn committed to Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday, folks weren’t asking him about his choice of schools, but rather his choice of sports.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 9, 2023
Class 6A
Behind family atmosphere, North Allegheny softball team aims to return to WPIAL final
The North Allegheny softball players were individually asked by their coaches to pick one word to describe the program. It wasn’t a serious task, just a light-hearted word-association game.
Belle Vernon star Quinton Martin picks Penn State
April 7, 2023
Penn State landed its first WPIAL running back recruit since Miles Sanders when Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin committed to the Nittany Lions.
2023 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball All-Stars
April 6, 2023
Scoring 1,000 points in a high school career remains an impressive feat in WPIAL basketball, but remarkably, the league saw its first 3,000-point scorer this winter.
Lincoln Park’s Meleek Thomas named 2023 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year
2023 Boys Basketball Player of the Year
2023 TribLive HSSN Girls Basketball All-Stars
April 5, 2023
South Fayette won a second consecutive WPIAL girls basketball title this winter, North Allegheny won its third in four years and North Catholic won its sixth since 2017. Those powerhouse teams and more are represented here in the TribLive HSSN girls basketball all-stars for 2023.
Blackhawk basketball coach Steve Lodovico took job ‘for a year,’ resigns 18 seasons later after building WPIAL powerhouse
April 3, 2023
Eighteen years ago, Steve Lodovico applied to be Blackhawk’s boys basketball coach, hoping to replace his legendary mentor John Miller, who was retiring.
WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 2, 2023
Class 6A
‘Nobody has a perfect system:’ PIAA, critics remain at odds over public-private school debate
The Philadelphia Catholic League opponent Deer Lakes faced in the state basketball finals played tremendous defense, but that shouldn’t surprise anyone, the Lancers’ coach said.
North Allegheny boys volleyball embarks on season of change
The senior-heavy lineup that won a state championship has graduated. The head coach who led the program for two decades has retired. Yes, this is a season of change for the North Allegheny boys volleyball team.
Despite strong start, Deer Lakes comes up short to West Catholic in PIAA Class 3A final
March 25, 2023
HERSHEY — “Let’s go Lancers.”
Aliquippa again finishes as PIAA runner-up after loss to Lancaster Mennonite
March 24, 2023
HERSHEY — Trips to the so-called “Sweetest Place on Earth” have become bittersweet for Aliquippa.
Lincoln Park beats perennial PIAA power Neumann-Goretti in state finals classic
March 23, 2023
HERSHEY — With 11 seconds on the clock, Lincoln Park’s Meleek Thomas knew it was time to “boogie.”
With tiny enrollment but tons of talent, Imani Christian claims PIAA Class A basketball crown
HERSHEY — One of the smallest high schools in the state won the biggest basketball trophy in Pennsylvania, yet few will call this an underdog story.
Deer Lakes makes more history with berth in 1st PIAA final
March 21, 2023
Neither team had ever reached the state finals, so the Deer Lakes and Penn Cambria boys basketball teams knew history would be made one way or the other Tuesday night.
OLSH basketball coach Don Eckerle ‘good to go’ after collapsing at PIAA semifinal game
On a hectic game day, with all of the preparation that needs to be done, coaches can neglect themselves at times, said longtime basketball coach Don Eckerle.
Imani Christian dominates rematch with Union, earns 1st trip to PIAA basketball finals
March 20, 2023
The words of an opposing coach and heated talk about public vs. private wasn’t what ultimately motivated Imani Christian for Monday night’s playoff win.
Strong 3rd quarter leads Aliquippa past Bishop Canevin in ‘testy’ PIAA quarterfinal
March 18, 2023
The atmosphere around the Aliquippa vs. Bishop Canevin state quarterfinal was tense, to say the least.
After early playoff exit, North Allegheny aims to ‘get that fire back’
The gaggle of professional baseball scouts is gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s a quiet atmosphere nowadays at North Allegheny practices.
‘Other three’ key as Lincoln Park holds off Laurel Highlands in PIAA quarterfinals
March 17, 2023
Lincoln Park’s Dontay Green left the locker room without a shoe on his right foot, the troublesome one that needed screws and plates to fix a lisfranc fracture several months ago.
PIAA announces sites, times for Saturday state basketball quarterfinals
March 16, 2023
Peters Township will host an all-WPIAL doubleheader Saturday in the quarterfinals of the state basketball tournament.
Central Catholic’s PIAA bracket busted by son of Penn State basketball coach
March 15, 2023
EBENSBURG — State College’s Braeden Shrewsberry didn’t accompany his father to the NCAA tournament, but the son of Penn State’s basketball coach created his own moments of March Madness.
Despite defensive shadow, Rodney Gallagher leads Laurel Highlands into PIAA quarterfinals
March 14, 2023
Laurel Highlands coach Rick Hauger’s practices can include some junk defenses, maybe a diamond-and-one or triangle-and-two, but the Mustangs don’t use them in games.
Butler’s Drew Griffith leads 2023 PTFCA all-state honors as indoor track athlete of the year
Butler junior Drew Griffith, one of the state’s top distance runners, was named the boys indoor track athlete of the year by the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association.
Butler rejoining WPIAL football in 2024, ends dispute with PIAA
March 13, 2023
The Butler football team will rejoin the WPIAL in 2024, ending a legal dispute between the school district and PIAA over the team’s desire to stay in District 10.
Deer Lakes boys open state playoffs with dominant win on home floor
March 11, 2023
The stairs that lead from the Deer Lakes locker room to the gym floor are quite steep, but the Lancers were confident they wouldn’t stumble on this day.
‘Bad night’ eliminates North Hills in 1st round of PIAA playoffs
March 10, 2023
North Hills spent the past 10 days putting up shots in its own gym, making Friday’s shooting woes hard to explain.
Union H.S. basketball coach reignites public vs. private debate with postgame comments
March 7, 2023
Union basketball coach Mark Stanley said he wasn’t trying to spark a firestorm with his critical comments at the WPIAL finals but instead shared out loud thoughts other public school coaches keep to themselves.
Behind big night from Dante DePante, Central Catholic stops New Castle to win 2nd WPIAL title
March 4, 2023
Central Catholic hadn’t won a WPIAL title in 15 years, but Dante DePante made himself at home in Petersen Events Center, an arena that’s about a mile from the Vikings’ gym.
In the end, Lincoln Park too much for North Catholic in Class 4A WPIAL title game
March 3, 2023
Lincoln Park’s Brandin Cummings and Meleek Thomas hear praise from many places, but on this championship night, the best accolades came from the coach of the other team.
Deer Lakes dethrones OLSH to win 1st WPIAL basketball championship
The Deer Lakes boys made basketball history twice this winter, and each time they snapped an Our Lady of the Sacred Heart streak.
Penn Hills second to none in WPIAL finals victory over Peters Township
March 2, 2023
Penn Hills is underrated no more.
Imani Christian surges past Union to win 1st WPIAL title, reigniting public-private debate
Playing against Imani Christian is always a tall task, but as 6-foot-11 sophomore Alier Maluk swung from a Petersen Events Center rim Thursday night, the gigantic challenge became clear.
2023 WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship breakdown: Lincoln Park vs. North Catholic
WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball final
2023 WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball championship breakdown: Deer Lakes vs. OLSH
WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball final
2023 WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball championship breakdown: Peters Township vs. Penn Hills
WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball final
2023 WPIAL Class A boys basketball championship breakdown: Imani Christian vs. Union
March 1, 2023
WPIAL Class A boys basketball final
Hot-shooting New Castle tops Mt. Lebanon, returns to WPIAL finals for 6th time in 7 years
February 28, 2023
The first quarter was too low-scoring for Isaiah Boice’s comfort, so the New Castle senior got to work.
Deer Lakes hits 3-pointer in closing seconds, upsets No. 1 seed Steel Valley
February 27, 2023
The Deer Lakes boys are headed to the WPIAL finals for the first time in school history, and they’ll do so with a first-year coach leading the celebration. But before they could scream and shout Monday night, everyone in green and gold held their breath.
Longtime Beaver football coach, WPIAL Hall of Famer Pat Tarquinio dies
Longtime Beaver football coach Pat Tarquinio, who was one of the winningest coaches in WPIAL history, has died. Beaver athletic director Alan Alcalde announced his death Monday.
Penn Hills baffles North Hills with 3-pointers, alley-oops in WPIAL semifinal win
February 25, 2023
Penn Hills teammates Daemar Kelly and Julian Dugger have perfected their high-flying alley-oop this winter, mastering a play that shows their rare athleticism.
Behind veteran standouts, talented freshmen, North Allegheny girls eye another WPIAL swimming title
North Allegheny’s Corky Semler has coached high school swimming for almost 40 years, so when he says this year’s freshman class is among his best, that’s worth noting.
Football coach Mike Collodi leaves Elizabeth Forward for Mt. Lebanon
February 24, 2023
A football player’s body language and how he carries himself are important to Mike Collodi, who was thrilled with the reception he received Thursday as Mt. Lebanon’s new coach.
Mt. Lebanon holds off Butler, reaches WPIAL semifinals for 5th time in 6 years
Three times in the fourth quarter, Mt. Lebanon’s Riley Farabaugh was sent to the foul line for a crucial one-and-one.
No. 1 Lincoln Park survives WPIAL quarterfinal test from South Allegheny
February 23, 2023
Lincoln Park was held 25 points below its season average and didn’t make a 3-pointer all game, yet the WPIAL favorite in Class 4A is still alive.
PIAA cracks down on ‘redshirt’ years taken by junior high athletes
February 22, 2023
The PIAA is cracking down on junior high athletes who take unofficial redshirt years.
WPIAL reveals new consolation brackets for basketball, includes 3rd-place games
February 21, 2023
The last time WPIAL basketball had a consolation bracket, the league used a combination of play-in games and follow-the-winner tiebreakers to qualify teams for the 2016 state tournament.
Amid coaching controversy, Steel Valley opens playoffs with win over McGuffey
Whenever Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine glanced into the stands Monday night, he wasn’t looking for friends or family. That’s where his suspended head coach was sitting, five rows behind the team’s bench.
South Park football coach Marty Rieck resigns after 8 seasons
February 20, 2023
South Park football coach Marty Rieck, who won state titles with the Eagles as both a player and assistant coach, has resigned after eight seasons leading the program.
Nationally ranked wrestlers among winners at Western Pa. Girls Championship
Three nationally ranked wrestlers were among the 13 champions crowned Sunday at the Western Pa. Girls Championship, an event that more than doubled in size since last winter.
22 WPIAL football players picked for Big School East-West all-star game
February 18, 2023
Pine-Richland teammates Ryan Palmieri, Jake Beam, John Rottinghaus and Matt Nicely, who won a state title together in December, were among 22 WPIAL football players chosen for the Big School East-West all-star game.
North Allegheny girls regroup during long layoff before WPIAL Class 6A playoffs commence
WPIAL schedule-makers gave the North Allegheny girls almost two weeks off before the basketball playoffs, but the Tigers didn’t take a vacation.
Small School East-West all-star game roster includes 16 from WPIAL, City League
Pitt recruit Braylan Lovelace of Leechburg and future Miami (Ohio) lineman Greg Smith of Steel Valley were among 16 WPIAL and City League players selected for the Small School East-West all-star game this year.
Experienced backcourt leads No. 4 Gateway past Woodland Hills in WPIAL playoff opener
A backcourt led by experienced guards is a time-tested formula that works in March Madness, but it also wins games here in the WPIAL playoffs.
13 WPIAL, City League players chosen for 2023 Big 33 Football Classic
February 17, 2023
Thirteen players from the WPIAL and City League were selected to compete in this year’s Big 33 Football Classic.
WPIAL brings back play-in games to determine state basketball playoff qualifiers
February 14, 2023
No more sitting and waiting.
Choosing Hampton’s seed becomes tricky decision with leading scorer ineligible
The chairman of the WPIAL basketball committee largely avoided one of Monday’s most-interesting debates, since it was a topic close to his heart.
Breaking down the 2023 WPIAL boys basketball playoff brackets
February 13, 2023
A closer look at the WPIAL boys basketball playoffs, which begin Thursday night:
WPIAL reveals basketball playoff brackets asking: ‘What have you done lately?’
If the season ended three days ago, the Penn Hills boys probably would’ve earned a No. 1 seed in the WPIAL basketball playoffs.
2023 WPIAL bracketology: HSSN forecasts the boys basketball playoff pairings
February 12, 2023
The Path to the Pete will be revealed Monday when the WPIAL basketball playoff pairings are announced at 3 p.m. on TribLive HSSN.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 12, 2023
Class 6A
North Allegheny set to host 2nd annual Western Pa. girls wrestling championship
About 35 athletes visited North Allegheny last winter for the first Western Pa. girls wrestling championship, a number that should more than double this time around.
Rodney Gallagher scores 29, Laurel Highlands tops rival Uniontown in 2OTs
February 10, 2023
The scouting report on Rodney Gallagher says that if he gets enough late-game chances, he’ll usually make opponents pay.
Central Catholic’s Debaba Tshiebwe follows brotherly advice, posts double-double to defeat Butler
February 8, 2023
Advice from an older brother can be valuable, especially when your brother is the top college basketball player in the country.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending February 5, 2023
February 4, 2023
Class 6A
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending February 5, 2023
Class 6A
Isaiah Boice’s quick recovery helps No. 1 New Castle defeat No. 2 Central Catholic
Isaiah Boice planned to celebrate New Castle’s section title by drinking lots of chocolate milk, the bone-healing beverage he credits for his quick recovery.
State rep proposes legislation that would allow PIAA to crown separate public, private champs
February 3, 2023
The PIAA has maintained that splitting public and private schools into separate playoffs is prohibited under a state statute from 1972, but new legislation could rewrite that law.
Baldwin hires McKeesport assistant Dana Brown Jr. as football coach
February 1, 2023
Dana Brown Jr. turns 32 on Sunday, but he got an early birthday present Wednesday night.
Ohio-bound D.J. Walker, 5 other Aliquippa seniors make college commitments official
A group of Aliquippa football seniors including standout safety/wide receiver Donovan Walker announced their college commitments Wednesday, with Walker choosing Ohio.
Aquinas Academy’s Vinnie Cugini breaks WPIAL basketball all-time scoring record
January 31, 2023
There’s a new all-time leading scorer in WPIAL basketball history, but the newly crowned record holder had a somewhat subdued celebration.
Woodland Hills’ Miles Sanders extends Super Bowl streak for Big 33 Football Classic
January 29, 2023
The Big 33 Football Classic’s Super Bowl streak lives on, thanks to a former WPIAL star.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 29, 2023
Class 6A
North Allegheny wrestling crowns 2 county champs
North Allegheny’s wrestling team celebrated two individual champions at the Allegheny County Tournament at Fox Chapel, where senior Jayson Flener and junior Aidan Buggey each won their weight class Jan. 20-21.
No. 1 Lincoln Park uses ‘organized mayhem’ to defeat North Catholic, strengthen section lead
“Organized mayhem” is the way Lincoln Park’s boys basketball team describes its offense.
6 WPIAL coaches earn NFHS Section 2 honors for 2021-22 sports seasons
January 27, 2023
Six WPIAL coaches have earned regional honors from the National Federation of State High School Associations for their work in the 2021-22 school year.
City League QB among 5 finalists for Willie Thrower Award for 1st time
January 24, 2023
Westinghouse quarterback Keyshawn Morsillo, who led the Bulldogs on a historic run to the state football finals, was announced Tuesday as one of five finalists for the Willie Thrower Award.
Central Catholic hires former Seneca Valley, Pine-Richland assistant Ryan Lehmeier as football coach
Central Catholic’s new football coach wasn’t chosen from the school’s alumni list, but that doesn’t mean Ryan Lehmeier isn’t already familiar with the team’s tradition.
Bethel Park hires offensive coordinator Phil Peckich as football coach
Bethel Park promoted offensive coordinator Phil Peckich to head coach Tuesday night, giving the Black Hawks football program some continuity under a coach who’s among the youngest in the WPIAL.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 22, 2023
Class 6A
WPIAL Hall of Fame inductee Don Rebel reflects on 35 years calling games
A tree in the middle of a grassy field in Sheraden served as the first press box for a 7- or 8-year-old Don Rebel, who climbed the branches and offered play-by-play for his older brother’s Wiffle ball games.
North Allegheny wrestling great Ray Brinzer to join WPIAL Hall of Fame
Ray Brinzer writes software and manages databases as a computer programmer, which seems a world away from a wrestling mat for one of the WPIAL’s all-time greats, but the former North Allegheny star can see similarities.
With Pitt coach watching, Aliquippa football stars hit basketball stride to defeat Shenango
January 19, 2023
Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi was sitting among the home fans in Aliquippa’s gym Wednesday night, there with dozens of others to watch a group of football players throw around a basketball.
Valley great Tom Pipkins highlights 2023 WPIAL Hall of Fame class
January 18, 2023
Tom Pipkins jokes that he might already be retired from working if high school athletes could’ve signed endorsement deals back in his day.
Peters Township creates 3-way section tie with narrow win over Bethel Park
Peters Township broke a tie on the scoreboard to create a tie in the standings.
Central Catholic’s Anthony Speca commits to Penn State
January 17, 2023
Central Catholic linebacker Anthony Speca, one of the state’s top college football recruits, committed Tuesday to Penn State.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 15, 2023
Class 6A
North Allegheny inline hockey team thrives outside spotlight
North Allegheny has a high school sports team that’s undefeated this winter, a motivated roster that’s trying to avenge a second-place finish from last year.
Mars aces midterm test with 37-point win over No. 1 Chartiers Valley
After a week of big tests in the classroom, the Mars boys basketball team passed another on the court Friday night.
North Allegheny’s Mia Tuman repeats as Gatorade Pa. Volleyball Player of the Year
January 13, 2023
North Allegheny senior Mia Tuman was recognized as the state’s top girls volleyball player for the second year in a row Friday when she was named Gatorade Pennsylvania Volleyball Player of the Year.
Pine-Richland football coach Jon LeDonne among 32 nominees for NFL’s Don Shula Award
Pine-Richland football coach Jon LeDonne, who led the Rams to a state title this season, was one of 32 coaches nationwide nominated for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award.
Mt. Lebanon matches rival Upper St. Clair shot for shot in double-overtime win
January 10, 2023
Two dozen 3-pointers made the score higher than a typical Mt. Lebanon-Upper St. Clair grind, but the dramatic finish still fit this gritty rivalry’s history.
Penn Township’s Brian Sakowski ready to officiate national championship game
January 7, 2023
Sixteen years ago, as Brian Sakowski remembers, he worked his first varsity football game, a WPIAL rivalry between Trinity and Canon-McMillan.
Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings for week of Jan. 8, 2023
Class 6A
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings for week of Jan. 8, 2023
Class 6A
Jonathan Anderson leads No. 1 New Castle past No. 2 Butler in renewed rivalry
New Castle’s Jonathan Anderson already knew all about his school’s old rivalry with Butler, even though the senior hadn’t faced the Tornado in his playing days.
WPIAL clears 6-9 basketball player Ama Sow after transfer to Montour
January 6, 2023
Montour sophomore Ama Sow kept asking boys basketball coach Bill Minear the same question.
Bob Palko, 9-time WPIAL champion, resigns as Mt. Lebanon football coach
Thirteen months after celebrating a state championship with the Blue Devils, Bob Palko has resigned as Mt. Lebanon’s football coach to focus attention on concerns away from the field.
Rosters announced for 2023 PIHL all-star games
Hempfield’s Nick Bruno and Bishop Canevin’s Ryan Saginaw, two of the PIHL’s top scorers, are among 210 players selected for the league’s all-star games.
PIHL mourns death of commissioner John Mucha
January 5, 2023
PIHL commissioner John Mucha, the top administrator for high school hockey in Western Pennsylvania, has died.
Hampton’s Peter Kramer scores 37 in key section win over Highlands
January 3, 2023
Hampton’s Peter Kramer shushed the Highlands crowd after one of his seven 3-pointers, a celebration he downplayed later, but nobody was able to quiet the Talbots’ newest star on this night.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings for week of Jan. 1, 2023
Class 6A
Lincoln Park tops Laurel Highlands in potential star-powered WPIAL championship preview
December 29, 2022
With a hyped crowd watching inside CCBC’s dome, Lincoln Park’s Meleek Thomas made a pair of free throws with 21 seconds left Thursday, the final points in a 70-66 victory over top-ranked Laurel Highlands.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 25, 2022
Class 6A
See the 2022 WPIAL and City League all-conference football teams
December 24, 2022
The four months of high school football season might zip by in a blur, but each fall the coaches take a moment to reflect, look back and vote for all-conference teams.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Fort Cherry freshman leads Black Hills awards
Fort Cherry’s Matt Sieg is only a freshman but conference coaches chose the dual-threat quarterback as the offensive MVP in the Black Hills this season.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Beaver Falls, Mohawk top Midwestern selections
Conference champion Beaver Falls earned six first-team spots on the all-Midwestern team led by senior Trey Singleton, who earned honors on both sides of the ball.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Greensburg Central Catholic tops Eastern awards
Conference champion Greensburg Central Catholic earned eight first-team spots on the all-conference team, including two by lineman Ryan Kimmel, who was recognized on both sides of the ball.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Mapletown leads Tri-County South after historic season
Mapletown celebrated its first undefeated regular season since 1968, a feat that was recognized in all-conference awards.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Union’s Braylon Thomas leads Big 7 award winners
Union quarterback Braylon Thomas and South Side linebacker Ryan Navarra earned the top individual awards in the Class A Big 7 all-conference voting.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Sto-Rox tops Century with 9 players on 1st team
December 23, 2022
Sto-Rox was a newcomer in the Class 2A Century Conference, but the Vikings made themselves right at home this season.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Steel Valley leads 1st team with 9 spots in Allegheny
Steel Valley’s Cruce Brookins was a two-way standout for the Ironmen, but he wasn’t the only player on the roster making an impact on both sides of the ball.
2022 All-City League Football Team: Westinghouse’s Keyshawn Morsillo, coach Donta Green take top honors
December 22, 2022
Westinghouse won the City League title for the 38th time in team history, but the Bulldogs didn’t stop there.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Avonworth sweeps MVP honors in Western Hills
Avonworth’s Luke Hilyard and Brandon Biagiarelli swept the conference MVP honors, and nine teammates also were named first-team all-conference after the Antelopes won the Class 3A Western Hills title.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Belle Vernon gets 12 spots on Interstate 1st team
Belle Vernon has had many reasons to celebrate.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Freeport, Shady Side Academy lead Allegheny 6 honors
Conference champion Freeport received 10 first-team all-conference spots in the Class 3A Allegheny 6, led by Ben Lane, Jacksen Reiser and Jacob Bollinger, who also earned individual awards.
Western Pa.’s Top 10 football prospects for the Class of 2024
December 21, 2022
College football coaches needing a linebacker, running back, wide receiver or offensive lineman will be visiting Western Pennsylvania in the coming months.
2022 TribLive HSSN Terrific 25 Football All-Stars
Western Pennsylvania had five high school football teams reach the state finals this season, including a postseason run by Westinghouse that was the City League’s first PIAA championship game appearance in decades.
Trib HSSN 2022 Head of the Class: Football player of the year in all 6 classes
December 19, 2022
As the saying goes, big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games. Many of the best players in Western Pennsylvania proved those words true this fall.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings for week of Dec. 18, 2022
Class 6A
PIAA sparks controversy with changes to diving championships
The PIAA fears high school diving is disappearing from many areas of the state, but changes meant to save the sport will force the WPIAL to revamp its championship format this winter.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: 10 Armstrong players, coach Frank Fabian earn Greater Allegheny honors
December 16, 2022
WPIAL passing leader Cadin Olsen earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny, along with his top two receiving targets.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Aliquippa, coach Mike Warfield lead Parkway honors
Aliquippa players received a dozen first-team spots on the Class 4A Parkway all-conference team, including six claimed by a trio of linemen honored on both sides of the ball.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: 2-way standouts lead Big Seven postseason honors
McKeesport teammates Bobbie Boyd and Jahmil Perryman were two-way stars for the Tigers this season, but they weren’t the only players in the Class 4A Big Seven pulling double duty.
Former North Allegheny star Ayden Owens runner-up for top college track award
December 15, 2022
North Allegheny graduate and Arkansas decathlete Ayden Owens-Delerme was the runner-up for college track and field’s top honor Thursday night.
Woodland Hills seeks to replace football coach Tim Bostard
After 22 years of coaching Woodland Hills football, first as an assistant and later head coach, Tim Bostard says he often joked that he’d be there until they kicked him out.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: North Allegheny coach Art Walker joins 9 players on 6A team
December 14, 2022
The WPIAL classification for the biggest schools was the league’s smallest overall with only five teams.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Penn-Trafford has 7 spots on Big East 1st team
Penn-Trafford’s size up front was a strength this season and opposing coaches recognized that group favorably when voting for the all-conference team.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Penn Hills, Pine-Richland lead Class 5A Northeast honors
The playoff race in the Northeast was among the most competitive in the WPIAL, depth that showed in the all-conference team.
2022 WPIAL All-Conference Football: Upper St. Clair places 10 on Allegheny Six team
Upper St. Clair’s Aidan Besselman and Mark Banbury earned first-team honors on both sides of the ball, helping the Panthers claim 10 spots on the Allegheny Six all-conference team.
Former Gateway star Derrick Davis announces plans to transfer from LSU
December 12, 2022
Former Gateway standout Derrick Davis, the TribLive HSSN Football Player of the Year in 2019, has announced plans to transfer from LSU.
Belle Vernon sees no ‘racial intent’ by football players in controversial social media video
The Belle Vernon football players involved in a controversial social media video weren’t trying to racially taunt anyone, said the school’s top administrator, but they will face consequences for including a racial slur.
PIAA wants investigation into signs, video targeting Westinghouse football team
December 10, 2022
The PIAA has directed the Southern Columbia administration to investigate allegations of racist taunts involving signs and a social media video targeting Westinghouse’s football team.
After 7-year hiatus, Jamie Kyriazis returns to coach North Allegheny wrestling team
Timing is important in wrestling.
Pine-Richland stuns Imhotep Charter in PIAA Class 5A final on Ryan Palmieri’s big night
December 9, 2022
MECHANICSBURG — Pine-Richland quarterbacks sure have a knack for big performances in the biggest games, a history that includes Ben DiNucci, Phil Jurkovec and Cole Spencer.
Westinghouse’s hopes of state championship dashed by Southern Columbia in Class 2A final
MECHANICSBURG — Westinghouse fairy-tale ending was spoiled by a team that’s very familiar with being cast as the villain in the state football championships.
Westinghouse welcomes underdog role in PIAA finals against 12-time champion Southern Columbia
Westinghouse coach Donta Green gathers his football players after each practice and every game for a session he calls highs and shout-outs.
Bishop McDevitt punishes Aliquippa for mistakes in PIAA Class 4A title game
December 8, 2022
MECHANICSBURG — In the state football championships, against a quarterback with major-college talent and an opponent seeking redemption, there’s very little room for error.
Union playoff run ends with loss to Steelton-Highspire in PIAA Class A football final
MECHANICSBURG – Union could see the end zone all afternoon, but didn’t get there enough.
Defending state champion Aliquippa draws PIAA finals rematch with Bishop McDevitt
Aliquippa started a sophomore at quarterback and a freshman at running back in the state finals last season while opponent Bishop McDevitt had a freshman behind center that day.
Trib HSSN high school football state rankings for Dec. 7, 2022
The PIAA football playoffs are down to 12 teams as the season approaches the final weekend.
Plans to expand, strengthen PIAA competitive-balance rule rejected by board
December 7, 2022
MECHANICSBURG — Plans to revamp the competitive-balance formula were rejected Wednesday by the PIAA board, meaning only football and basketball teams are still impacted by the rule — and only those that add too many transfers.
After PIAA approves NIL policy, Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher quickly adds 1st deal
MECHANICSBURG — The vote was only a couple of hours old when Laurel Highlands senior Rodney Gallagher announced the first NIL deal for a PIAA athlete.
PIAA concerned with rising ejection rates among boys soccer players, coaches
December 5, 2022
The PIAA was optimistic that the rising number of player and coach ejections would subside statewide after adding a two-game suspension in 2020 for the most egregious unsportsmanlike acts.
Westinghouse ends City League’s 25-year wait, tops Steel Valley to reach state finals
December 2, 2022
No City League football team has reached the state finals in 25 years, but Westinghouse is headed there next week.
In storied Aliquippa football history, could these Quips show they’re best with another PIAA title?
December 1, 2022
There’s always room to debate which Aliquippa football team was the best in school history.
Central Catholic football coach Terry Totten resigns after 18 seasons, 6 WPIAL titles
When Central Catholic football coach Terry Totten officially met with his players one final time Thursday, he showed them the watch on his wrist and told them how it just keeps ticking.
Pine-Richland draws PIAA semifinal opponent that rarely passes
The football itself is usually an essential piece of practice equipment, but when Pine-Richland’s scout-team offense took the field this week, coach Jon LeDonne had the group run plays without one.
Trib HSSN High School Football State Rankings for Nov. 29, 2022
November 29, 2022
The favorites remain alive in the state playoffs.
Imani Christian transfers eligible for basketball season after PIAA overturns WPIAL decisions
November 28, 2022
Imani Christian transfers Robert Sledge and Kylan Holmes are now eligible to play basketball this winter after the PIAA overturned earlier decisions by the WPIAL.
PIAA announces semifinal sites, times for state football playoffs
November 27, 2022
The Pine-Richland football team has a two-hour bus ride this weekend and Aliquippa has a three-hour trip ahead. That often comes with reaching the state semifinals.
Westinghouse shuts down Farrell, sets up PIAA semifinal showdown with WPIAL champion
November 26, 2022
Westinghouse fans have a variety of chants and cheers, but “go defense go” seemed to have a little extra enthusiasm Saturday afternoon at Cupples Stadium.
Aliquippa rolls past Central Valley to capture 19th WPIAL football title
November 25, 2022
Aliquippa’s Tiqwai Hayes landed in the end zone after leaping headfirst over his linemen, but the running back was quickly airborne again when guard Neco Eberhardt celebrated by lifting the sophomore off his feet.
2022 WPIAL 4A football championship breakdown: Aliquippa vs. Central Valley
WPIAL Class 4A football championship
2022 WPIAL 3A football championship breakdown: Belle Vernon vs. Avonworth
November 24, 2022
WPIAL Class 3A football championship
2022 WPIAL 2A football championship breakdown: Steel Valley vs. Beaver Falls
WPIAL Class 2A football championship
2022 WPIAL A football championship breakdown: Bishop Canevin vs. Union
WPIAL Class A football championship
Thanksgiving Day practice now annual tradition for WPIAL 4A finalists Central Valley, Aliquippa
How many folks are coming to Thanksgiving dinner? Central Valley’s Bret FitzSimmons expected to eat turkey with around 70 friends.
Trib HSSN High School Football State Rankings for Nov. 22, 2022
November 22, 2022
There’s a new No. 1 team in Class 2A.
PIAA announces quarterfinal sites, times for state football playoffs
November 20, 2022
WPIAL Class 5A champion Pine-Richland will host a state quarterfinal in the PIAA football playoffs this week while 6A winner North Allegheny starts on the road.
North Allegheny shuts out rival Central Catholic in 2nd half to claim 5th WPIAL football title
November 19, 2022
These teams combined for one touchdown when they met eight weeks ago in a low-scoring, field-position battle between WPIAL rivals who leaned mostly on their defenses.
North Allegheny basketball teams adjust to early start to season
Starting basketball season a week earlier than usual probably doesn’t excite WPIAL coaches, but the idea of a less-compact regular season maybe does.
‘We are here:’ Aliquippa gets defensive in WPIAL semifinal victory over McKeesport
November 18, 2022
There was no tropical storm or heavy rain.
2022 WPIAL 6A football championship breakdown: North Allegheny vs. Central Catholic
WPIAL Class 6A football championship
2022 WPIAL 5A football championship breakdown: Pine-Richland vs. Upper St. Clair
WPIAL Class 5A football championship
Program-boosting coaches lead North Allegheny, Central Catholic into WPIAL Class 6A title game
Whether he deserves some credit or blame depends on your perspective, but Art Walker certainly helped set Central Catholic on a path to become a WPIAL powerhouse.
5 things to watch in Week 12 of high school football
November 17, 2022
Aliquippa is trying to reach the WPIAL football finals for the 15th year in a row, meaning some of the players on the Quips roster weren’t born the last time the team failed to get there.
Aliquippa, McKeesport collide again in WPIAL semifinals after 2OT battle last season
For a year, McKeesport has wondered what might’ve been.
5 things we learned in Week 11: Bill Cherpak joins ‘role model’ George Novak in WPIAL’s 300 club
November 13, 2022
Bill Cherpak could’ve succeeded in whatever career path he pursued, says his former high school football coach, recalling how the Steel Valley graduate already was a bright leader in those days.
WPIAL announces playoff sites for semifinal football games
November 12, 2022
The stadiums of Canon-McMillan and North Allegheny were chosen by the WPIAL to host two of the eight football semifinal matchups scheduled for Friday.
‘Down and out’ Central Catholic tops Mt. Lebanon to make 4th straight finals trip
November 11, 2022
Central Catholic wideout Peter Gonzalez missed the first three weeks of the season after knee surgery, but quarterback Payton Wehner kept throwing him passes anyway, while he worked his way back to the field.
Central Catholic is passing more than ever, yet rainstorm awaits in WPIAL semifinals
There was a new piece of equipment on the field at Central Catholic football practice this week: a five-gallon water jug.
5 things to watch in Week 11: Thomas Jefferson’s Bill Cherpak could be 4th WPIAL coach to 300 wins
Twenty-seven years ago, Thomas Jefferson started the 1995 football season with a 15-0 win over Belle Vernon behind a first-year head coach named Bill Cherpak.
WPIAL keeps football games on Friday despite rain; Westinghouse now Thursday
November 9, 2022
Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or two.
WPIAL issues split decisions on 3 Imani Christian basketball transfers
November 8, 2022
The WPIAL cleared Imani Christian transfer Damon Givner to play his sophomore basketball season with the Saints, but two others were ruled ineligible after separate hearings Tuesday in Green Tree.
WPIAL approves 2 Serra Catholic transfers after eligibility hearing
November 7, 2022
The WPIAL ruled Serra Catholic transfers Matt McNeal and David Jordan fully eligible after the sophomores attended an eligibility hearing Monday in Green Tree.
WPIAL announces sites for Friday’s round of football playoffs
November 5, 2022
The WPIAL chose Canon-McMillan and Gateway to host Class 5A semifinals Friday night.
5 things we learned in 1st round of WPIAL football playoffs
The drive home from Burgettstown to Lawrence County takes about an hour, but the Union football team had a slight detour Friday night.
New cast of characters earns more championship gold for North Allegheny cross country
North Allegheny swept the big-school WPIAL cross country team titles this fall for the fifth year in a row, adding two more banners to a long list of league championships.
Upper St. Clair stuns Gateway in WPIAL playoffs behind ‘resilient’ QB who’d lost starting job
Upper St. Clair quarterback Julian Dahlem lost his starting job last month and hadn’t attempted a pass in weeks, yet the sophomore threw a season-saving touchdown Friday night.
5 things to watch in Week 10 of high school football
November 4, 2022
In WPIAL Class 5A, is eight enough?
Upper St. Clair running back with Florida roots hopes to lead Panthers on WPIAL playoff run
An injured ankle had Jamaal Brown sidelined at this time last year, making him an unhappy spectator when Upper St. Clair lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Butler can participate in District 10 football championship after court denies PIAA request
November 3, 2022
The Butler football team will have a chance to win a District 10 championship thanks to a school district victory Thursday in court.
WPIAL rules Lincoln Park transfers eligible, requests hearings for Imani newcomers
November 2, 2022
The WPIAL cleared Lincoln Park transfers Maddie Syka and Abbi Jannuzi to play girls basketball in the regular season this winter after holding separate eligibility hearings Tuesday in Green Tree.
WPIAL purchases building with plans to relocate league office
November 1, 2022
You might say the WPIAL is transferring offices.
Week 9 surprises loomed large as WPIAL football committee paired brackets
October 30, 2022
Some folks count sheep.
‘It’s unfair to our kids,’ says Clairton coach after WPIAL denies home playoff game
October 29, 2022
Wayne Wade was already envisioning one more Friday night in Clairton under the lights and the festivities that accompany a home football game in the WPIAL playoffs.
Breaking down the 2022 WPIAL football playoffs
Class 6A
WPIAL announces 2022 football playoff pairings
Defending WPIAL champions Aliquippa and Bishop Canevin were among the six teams that earned No. 1 seeds for the upcoming football playoffs when brackets were revealed online Saturday on TribLive HSSN.
Girls wrestling moves closer to goal of being sanctioned by PIAA
Someday, the state’s best female wrestlers will be crowned PIAA champions at Giant Center in matches held alongside the boys, if advocates for the sport get their wish.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast 2022 football playoff pairings
The WPIAL football playoff brackets will be revealed at 2 p.m. Saturday on TribLive HSSN. In the meantime, here’s a look at what those brackets might look like, according to HSSN’s Don Rebel and Chris Harlan.
Capacity crowd sees Aliquippa defeat rival Central Valley with dominant 3rd quarter
Aliquippa’s DJ Walker saw fans standing rows deep along the fence, heard cheers of a capacity crowd and felt the excitement in the cold, October air.
Judge rules Butler football can compete in District 10 playoffs
October 28, 2022
Butler earned its biggest win of the season hours before Friday night’s football game against Latrobe.
5 things to watch in Week 9 of high school football
Almost everyone has an off year once in a while, yet Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz and North Catholic’s Pat O’Shea have never had a team miss the playoffs in their head coaching careers.
Reigning state champions Aliquippa, Central Valley clash in long-awaited Week 9 finale
October 27, 2022
Two high school communities in Beaver County had Oct. 28 marked on their calendars since late February, when the WPIAL first released this season’s football schedules.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan forecast 2022 football playoff pairings
October 26, 2022
Bracketology before the playoff field is set is a curious idea.
Once a critic of PIAA competitive-balance rule, state rep from Beaver County supports overhaul
The PIAA’s plan to remove the transfer criteria from its competitive-balance formula received support Tuesday from a Beaver County legislator who was an outspoken critic of the current rule.
Football fans lining up for coveted Central Valley vs. Aliquippa tickets
October 25, 2022
The hottest ticket in Beaver County isn’t for a British pop star or an 80’s rock band back on tour.
5 things we learned in Week 8 of high school football
October 23, 2022
There were some dark days this fall for the Mohawk football program, but Saturday wasn’t one of them.
OLSH loses star QB in warmups; No. 1 Bishop Canevin clinches 1st conference title since ’11
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s Nehemiah Azeem is one of the WPIAL’s top passers, but 15 minutes before kickoff, the Chargers found out they wouldn’t have him in the lineup.
Trib HSSN WPIAL high school football rankings: Week ending Oct. 23, 2022
October 22, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
North Allegheny volleyball looks to finish job after unprecedented regular season dominance
North Allegheny’s girls volleyball team has won five consecutive state titles, but this year’s roster accomplished a feat none of those teams ever did. They played 16 matches this fall and didn’t lose single set — winning them all 3-0.
Central Catholic’s young playmakers lead playoff-clinching win over Seneca Valley
Central Catholic could’ve accepted a penalty for an out-of-bound kickoff and taken the ball at the 35-yard line, but instead told Seneca Valley to re-kick.
5 things to watch in Week 8 of high school football
October 21, 2022
It’s hard to be perfect.
Preseason WPIAL favorites Central Catholic, Seneca Valley now fighting for playoff lives
October 20, 2022
Seneca Valley and Central Catholic were picked as preseason favorites to meet in the WPIAL Class 6A championship before anyone had played a game.
9 WPIAL coaches earn statewide award from PIAA
October 18, 2022
Nine WPIAL coaches were name state coaches of the year by the PIAA for the 2021-22 school year.
WPIAL board increases to 21 seats with diversity advisory council addition
The WPIAL board has expanded to 21 members with the addition of a seat for a representative from the WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council.
PIAA’s reps from WPIAL split on future of competitive-balance rule
October 17, 2022
The WPIAL has three seats on the PIAA board, and its representatives usually vote together, but that didn’t happen when asked about making major changes to the state’s competitive-balance rule.
5 things we learned in Week 7: Central Catholic blocked FG touchdown scorer: ‘I heard no whistle’
October 15, 2022
As a 6-foot-4, 270-pound offensive lineman, Anthony Shovlin says he’d accepted the fact that scoring touchdowns wasn’t in his future, but that changed dramatically Friday night.
TribLive HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 16, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
North Allegheny athletic director concerned by changing definition of amateurism
A groundbreaking name, image and likeness policy proposed by the PIAA cleared a second hurdle this month, meaning Pennsylvania high school athletes soon could be eligible to make money from NIL deals this winter.
Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen capitalizes on Mars’ mistakes in high-scoring Greater Allegheny win
Giving Armstrong quarterback Cadin Olsen short fields, time to pass and extra possessions is a dangerous combination.
5 things to watch in Week 7 of high school football
October 14, 2022
Football coaches will always say Week 7 isn’t the time for nonconference games, since the playoffs are less than a month away and nobody wants to get hurt now in a “meaningless” game.
PIAA rule keeps OLSH football team idle Friday night after Avella forfeits
October 13, 2022
Avella doesn’t have enough healthy players available for this week’s football game against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, so the Eagles will forfeit the Class A Black Hills Conference contest scheduled for Friday night.
Philadelphia Catholic League teams no longer block WPIAL’s path to PIAA basketball finals
The marquee matchup of state championship weekend became an all-Philadelphia Catholic League affair when Roman Catholic and Archbishop Wood met in Hershey last winter for the Class 6A boys basketball final.
Narrow vote keeps alive potential overhaul of PIAA competitive-balance rule
October 12, 2022
MECHANICSBURG — The PIAA competitive-balance rule was originally created to measure postseason success and transfers, but that formula could change significantly this winter.
NIL policy for Pa. high school athletes clears 2nd hurdle, could be finalized in December
October 11, 2022
MECHANICSBURG — One of Western Pennsylvania’s largest hospital networks had to revamp an advertising campaign that featured WPIAL athletes after the PIAA pointed out the ads violated its rules.
5 things we learned in Week 6: Some teams clinching already
October 8, 2022
It’s too early to start mapping playoff scenarios for most WPIAL football teams, but a select few already have won their way in.
Trib HSSN football rankings for Oct. 9, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
New faces take center ice for perennially powerful North Allegheny hockey program
North Allegheny always had a few familiar names among its top six forwards in recent years, experienced scorers who were there for multiple seasons. Yet, the Tigers are entering a winter of change.
Bethel Park’s offense plays keep away in win over No. 1 Upper St. Clair
October 7, 2022
“The most average line you’ve ever seen.”
5 things to watch in Week 6 of high school football
This could be a make-or-break week for some teams with conference title hopes.
Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair renew rivalry ranked 1st, 2nd in WPIAL Class 5A
October 6, 2022
Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair have combined for a few dramatic regular-season finales in recent years, but WPIAL schedule makers decided there’s no need to wait.
1st-time winners Beaver, Ligonier Valley among WPIAL Sportsmanship Award recipients
October 5, 2022
First-time winners Beaver and Ligonier Valley were among five schools named Wednesday as recipients of the annual WPIAL Sportsmanship Award.
5 things we learned in Week 5: Rodney Gallagher makes history again
October 1, 2022
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher was 0-3 against conference foe Thomas Jefferson, and his Mustangs were outscored 160-3 in the first three years of his high school football career.
TribLive HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Oct. 2, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
North Allegheny embraces being viewed as underdog, now leads Class 6A
Saying the biggest high school in Western Pennsylvania was overlooked might seem unlikely, but when football season started, North Allegheny’s players didn’t hear much talk about themselves.
Brad Birch leads Gateway to rout of previously unbeaten Hempfield
September 30, 2022
Would anyone have been surprised if Gateway quarterback Brad Birch crashed the halftime homecoming ceremony, took the blue-and-white balloons and named himself Hempfield’s king?
5 things to watch in Week 5 of high school football
In an ultra-competitive Class 5A, Bethel Park, Hempfield and Upper St. Clair are the only WPIAL teams that haven’t lost to a 5A opponent yet this season — a list that keeps getting shorter.
WPIAL rules East Allegheny transfer eligible for regular-season football but not playoffs
September 27, 2022
East Allegheny junior Amir Rollins, a transfer from Penn Hills, is allowed to play football in the regular season, but he remains ineligible for the playoffs, the WPIAL ruled Tuesday.
5 things we learned in Week 4: WPIAL upstarts winning over their doubters
September 24, 2022
The last time Mapletown started a season 5-0, longtime Maples coach George Messich was in middle school and the team’s quarterback was an older boy who lived next door.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 25, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
Talented sophomores pacing defending PIAA champion North Allegheny cross country teams
At this time of year, North Allegheny’s cross country team doesn’t talk much about winning championships, even if the boys and girls are both defending state champs.
North Allegheny tops Central Catholic in low-scoring defensive battle
September 23, 2022
North Allegheny’s Campbell Melzer was upset with himself after missing a tackle on a fourth-quarter hitch route that put Central Catholic in scoring position for a late touchdown.
5 things to watch in Week 4 of high school football
It wasn’t too long ago that West Allegheny was the team to beat in the Parkway Conference, back before the Indians made the jump to 5A.
Westinghouse cements itself as City League favorite with 38-7 win over Allderdice
Keyshawn Morsillo threw three touchdowns Thursday night and helped Westinghouse solidified itself as the team to beat in the City League with a 38-7 victory over Allderdice at Cupples Stadium.
Central Catholic, North Allegheny battle for edge in WPIAL’s unpredictable Class 6A
September 22, 2022
After watching the first few weeks, Central Catholic coach Terry Totten suggests a new plan for finding the best team in 6A.
WPIAL hopes ticket trend continues after topping $2 million in revenue last school year
September 19, 2022
The WPIAL sold more than $2 million in tickets last school year, a jump from recent pre-pandemic days that has the league in solid financial shape.
Trib HSSN WPIAL football rankings: Week ending Sept. 17, 2022
September 17, 2022
WPIAL football rankings
5 things we learned in Week 3 of high school football
Pick a word: Unpredictable? Competitive? Chaotic?